Empower Your Child’s Independence with Washing Hands

As a parent, one of the most important responsibilities is to teach your child life skills that will benefit them in the long run. One such skill is the importance of washing hands. Not only does it promote good hygiene, but it can also prevent the spread of illnesses. However, teaching your child to wash their hands can be a challenging task, especially when they’re young. In this blog, we’ll explore ways to empower your child’s independence when it comes to washing their hands, making it a habit that they’ll carry with them for life.

Washing Hands

Suitable Age: 3+

Materials: 

• This should be kept in a permanent place in the environment (like a special table) consisting of
  • Basis,
  • A pitcher (with line)
  • A soap dish
  • Soap
  • A hand towel
  • 2 sponges (1 big, 1 small)
  • A fingernail brush
  • Hand lotion
• A bucket for water activities (also near the table in a permanent place)

Direct Aim:

• To wash hands independently

Indirect Aim:

• Refine motor skills
• Concentration
• Hand-eye coordination
• Independence
• Order of sequence

Presentation/ Child instruction: 

1. Once at the table, invite the child to fill the pitcher with water to the line.
2. When he returns, indicate for him to pour some of the water inside the basin, remembering the dripping sponge. (Be sure to keep some water in the pitcher).
3. Then wet your hands and apply some soap. Begin by working the soap on your hands into a lather completely covering your palms and fingers. Making sure to scrub each finger from top to bottom and massage the palms and outsides of both hands. Show the child the enjoyment that can be found in washing your hands. You can then remove the soap from your hands using the water on the basis.
4. Next, you will pick up the fingernail brush and use it gently on your fingernails. Then rinse your hands and dry them using the towel, being sure to use the dried, and begin to tidy up. First, discard the water from the basin into the bucket, and invite the child to empty the bucket. When he returns, he may pour some more water from the pitcher into the basin. This water is used to rinse the basin out. Once again, the child may discard the water. (Always remember the dripping sponge when pouring).
5. The second sponge is used to dry the basin and any excess water, which may have dropped/spilled. Replace the hand towel and place the one you have used into the laundry hamper. You may now apply the hand lotion onto your hands massaging it into your skin.
6. Once this task has been completed, invite the child to wash his hands.
7. When the child is done washing his hands, invite him to assemble the table back to its original condition.

Point of interest:

• Bubbles from the soap, the water, the nail brush, the hand lotion, and the peaceful and calm manner to wash hands (almost ceremonial)

Control of Error: 

• Spilling/dropping water
• Too much/ too little soap
• Forgetting to tidy up
• Forgetting the sequence
• Difficulty replacing the hand towel
• Putting the hand lotion on too soon causes the hands to be slippery when cleaning up

>> Read more: Empower Your Child’s Independence with Shoe Polishing Activity