Handwashing Steps

• Water/sink

• Soap

This is another one of my long-term activities. A young child isn’t going to be able to recall steps to hand washing or most self-care tasks within the first try. Luckily Theo is at a place in his childhood where he copies EVERYTHING we do.

So, when it comes to hand washing and how I approach it is simple (for me) and effective- I talk through what I am doing (all the time).

Example: “First I’ll turn the sink on, then wet my hands.”

“Next I’m going to add some soap.”, etc. With these descriptions, I do actions to show what I am saying.

As I slowly go through my steps, verbally and physically, Theo tries his best to do the same, (skipping maybe some steps and movements).

Without me modeling it each time, Theo may be able to recall some of these movements or steps, but I would not expect him to be doing all/everything any time soon, especially if I’m not doing this all the time with him.

Our young children need us-they love when we become consumed and involved with them too!

We also like to sing when we wash. Here’s the song we sing (and do movements too as we sing them):

This may help a child who doesn’t want to actually be washing their hands and may take their mind off of what they are doing and make it much more fun!