Image credits: Unsplash
Importance of Hand Hygiene
Germs are everywhere — and kids are active by nature. This explains why hands are one of the biggest carriers of germs. When they use their hands to touch their face or put their fingers in their mouth, there is a high chance of germs entering the body, which leads to a number of infectious diseases including gastrointestinal infections and respiratory infections, such as influenza, colds and coronavirus (COVID-19).
Good hand washing habits is vital for kids' health and wellbeing — and such habits should be formed since young. It is important to scrub those germs away to prevent your child from catching germs and spreading them.
Key Times To Wash Hands
Remind your child to wash their hands in the following situations:
Before and after eating food
After using the bathroom
After arriving at a childcare centre or infant care centre
After coming home from a childcare centre or infant care centre
After touching an animal or handling pet food or treats
After touching common surfaces like door knobs and lift buttons
After playing outdoors, such as a park
After coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose
8 Steps To Ensure Proper Hand Washing
Simply wet your hands under clean, running water. Next, use soap and lather for at least 20 seconds. The rubbing action enables the soap to break down grease and dirt carrying germs.
HealthHub has recommended these 8 steps to clean hands:
Image credits: HealthHub
Finally, rinse and dry with a clean towel, paper towel (or you can air dry them)!
What Else Can You Do To Prevent The Spread Of Germs?
Don't underestimate the power of the spread of germs. Here are some reminders you can give to your kids to prevent the spread of germs:
Be socially responsible. Stay on the lookout for symptoms of illness. Take a sick day off from school and stay home when feeling unwell.
Disinfect surfaces with household cleaner that contains soap or detergent.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Bring an alcohol-based hand sanitiser along when you're out and about.
Make Hand Washing Fun For Kids!
Now, we all know that good hand hygiene is fundamental for our health — but, how can we make it fun for kids?
1. Let Them Sing A Song
As mentioned above, it is recommended that you scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
A good way to keep them occupied is to let your kid rub their soapy hands together to the tune of their favourite song — for about 20 seconds. Baby Shark by Pinkfong? Let It Go from Frozen? Anything works!
2. Lead By Example
As simple as it sounds, practice what you preach. Be a good hand washing role model for your child. Make it a habit to wash your hands before and after meals or meal preparation, when you come back from work, shopping, or, playing. Plus, bring cleaning supplies while you're on-the-go! By doing so, your kid can mimic you — protecting you from the germs!
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3. Reading Books About Hand Washing
Let your child read books about germs and hand washing to reinforce the importance of proper sanitisation.
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We're Committed To Our Students' Health And Wellbeing — Genesis Childcare 1989
Having difficulties choosing a childcare centre for your child? A word of advice — parents should always observe the environment for its hygiene standards and cleanliness when deciding on the childcare centre.
Genesis Childcare 1989, a premium childcare centre in Tampines, ensures that our staffs adhere to safety guidelines and maintain the cleanliness of the classroom.
Maintaining hygiene practices in our kindergarten Tampines is critical as it directly affects children's health. Our Tampines childcare demonstrates our commitment to the safety of children attending the childcare centre by cleaning and disinfecting learning spaces frequently.
Being committed to providing excellent services, we are a preferred partner of choice for parents over the past 30 years.
Located alongside our preschool Tampines or playgroup Tampines is Nurture Infant House.
The greatest gift all parents can offer to their child is their unconditional love and support.
Our Tampines infant care centre was founded with the intention of fostering a close partnership with parents to provide a meaningful learning experience for our infants.
By enrolling your infants in our premium infant care, you can give your child the childhood they deserve.
Book a school tour now — and read candid Google reviews from our parents here!
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 S(520433)
Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 S(520433)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293