Teaching Children Good Health Habits

"Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation; even so does inaction sap the vigors of the mind." - Leonardo Da Vinci

Teaching Children Good Health Habits

In an Exchange article by Dr. Susan Aronson which appears today on our web site, www.ChildCareExchange.com, she describes good handwashing practices for children:

*  Use running water to moisten the skin first.

*  Apply liquid soap and friction to create a lather that loosens dirt and germs that would otherwise stay attached to the skin. Ten seconds of friction lathering is a reasonable expectation. (Have children count "bubble-one, bubble-two, etc." or sing a ten second hand-washing song while they wash.)

*  Thoroughly rinse the hands with the fingertips pointing toward the drain to take the loosened dirt and germs off the skin.

*  Dry the hands and move to the clean activity in a way that does not put germs back on the skin.

These instructions are clear, but the challenge for early childhood professionals is how to turn these practices into regular habits for children.  We invite you to share your ideas on how you teach children good health habits -- such as hand washing tooth brushing and nose wiping.  You can share your ideas and view the ideas of your peers at http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0558

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site