What Kids Think About Hand Washing

Wonder why children don't wash their hands when you ask them to? And how you will ever get your child to wash up on her own? Start by considering your child's point of view.

Recognize that your child has important things to do, too.

Your child might be thinking, "You always ask me to wash my hands when I'm having fun. Please don't tell me to hurry up – don't you know I'm busy playing?" Some kids will even lie, and say that they washed their hands just so they can keep playing.

Remember that it's fun to be dirty – and that it can be fun to get clean.

Your child might be thinking, "I like to make messes with my hands." But you can remind him that he also likes to play in the water!

Realize that kids don't understand about catching colds.

When you tell kids to wash their hands so that they don't get a cold, they might not really understand what you mean. Kids generally live "for today" and are not concerned that they might get sick tomorrow. Your child might also be thinking, "What's a germ anyway?" and "How do you catch a cold with your hands?"

Remember that your independent child may still need you.

Your child might be thinking, "I like to learn to do things by myself but I still need you to keep me company." And the words "I can't" might mean "I need your support" or "I miss the cozy closeness of when you used to help me."