Children typically don’t like to take the time to wash their hands. If they do wash their hands, it is usually hurried and not thorough. There are ways to help children learn to wash their hands properly. Young children, toddlers and preschool age children, learn through their senses: touching, seeing, hearing, tasting and smelling. Because germs can’t be seen, felt, tasted or heard, making them tangible through play is a great way to teach the importance of proper hand washing. Some tips include singing hand washing songs, drawing and coloring pictures about hand washing and telling stories about washing and germs.

Of course, one of the most important tips is to have a hand washing source readily available for the children. A portable sink, such as the Ozark River Lil Premier, child-height portable sink, can be placed conveniently near the children’s play area for ease of hand washing after play time. The Ozark River Lil Premier is just the right height for young children to turn on the faucets and use the sink without adult assistance. Soap dispenser is also easily within a child’s reach. No need for a step stool! Hand washing is right where you want it!