The best way to prevent the spread of diseases (including COVID-19) is good hand hygiene. Learn about proper hand washing techniques and teach it to your children (and have a little fun too).

Here are some tips and ideas from the preschool occupational therapists at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH):

1. Make it sensory. Add a tiny amount of food colouring or a favourite scent to the soap container.
2. Fill a sink with warm soapy water and incorporate washing hands into water play. Hide objects in water. Use lots of bubbles.
3. Extend the length of handwashing time. Sing a favourite song, watch a favourite YouTube clip or use a timer.
4. Wash your hands at the same time your child washes theirs. Make it a game like “who can make the most bubbles?”
5. Sing Thumb Attack (courtesy of CHEO).

The lyrics to "Wash your hands, Brother John!"
The 6 steps to achieve effective hand hygiene, sung to the tune of Frère Jacques

1. Scrub your palms
2. Between the fingers
3. Wash the back (one hand), wash the back (other hand)
4. Twirl the tips (one hand) around (other hand)
5. Scrub them upside down
6. Thumb attack (one thumb)! Thumb attack (other thumb)!

2020-04-01