For instance, you might say something like, “If you touch something with germs on it, then touch your face, you can get really sick. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands, but it’s important to keep your hands away from your face, too. " You might also include something along the lines of, “I know it can be really hard to remember sometimes. I forget, too! Maybe we can help each other remember not to touch our faces. "
Including a special nickname in your reminder may help your child feel like you’re on their team. For example, you could gently say, “Hands off your face, buddy!” or “Don’t chew your nails, pumpkin!”
You can use encouraging words or even offer small treats or stickers as a reward. For instance, you might say something like, “I noticed you were doing a really great job not chewing your nails today. You get a sticker on your behavior chart!”
Putty and slime can be good toys for keeping your child’s hands engaged, as well. If you have a smaller child, keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t put the toy into their mouth since they could pick up germs that way.
It may also help to give your child something to distract them. For instance, you might offer them a crunchy snack like granola, a piece of bubble gum, or a drink with a straw. [6] X Research source Don’t criticize or shame your child for habits like nail-biting or thumb sucking, as that can actually make the problem worse.
Use alcohol wipes to disinfect your phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Your child should wash their hands before they eat or help prepare food, after using the restroom, after they cough or sneeze, and any time their hands get dirty. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to cleanse your child’s hands if they need to wash but aren’t around a sink or soap.
If your child sneezes into their hands, they could then spread germs by touching surfaces in your home. Remind your child that if they wipe their nose or sneeze into a tissue, they should throw the tissue into the trash right away to avoid spreading germs. [9] X Research source
Between the ages of 1 and 2, children need 11-14 hours of sleep a night, including naps. Between 3 and 5, kids need 10-13 hours a night, including naps. From the ages of 6 to 12, your child needs 9-12 hours of sleep each night, and they probably will not take a nap. Teens who are 13-18 years old need about 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
Choose healthy snacks like apples, carrot sticks, and whole-grain toast with peanut butter rather than processed foods high in carbs and sugar. The nutrients found in whole, healthy foods can help strengthen your child’s immune system, helping them fight off germs they may come into contact with. If you’re concerned your child isn’t getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diet, ask your pediatrician if they should take a daily multivitamin.
