Tips to Promote Hand & Face Washing Skills for Kids

• Use a soft washcloth or soft sponge.

• Use a mirror.

• Place the child on a step-stool if needed to see themselves, or have them sit comfortably at a table with a mirror.

• Use kid-safe mild soaps with pleasant smells (pay mind to individual needs related to skin allergies or any other concerns).

• Use an easy pump for kids to learn to access the soap by themselves & use their own hand skills.

• Teach the child to "pump" with their dominant hand, while stabilizing the soap bottle with their other hand.

• Use lukewarm water, which is usually comfortable for most kids.

• Sensory experience: warm water = calming while cold water = alerting!

• Explore the differences between warmer and colder water temperatures for a fun, exploratory sensory experience with your child.

• Have fun with rubbing hands together and making bubbles with soap.

• Bring your child's attention to bubbles on hands and arms for rinsing them all off.

• Be careful with hot water!

• Follow up with drying hands and face on a soft towel. Let your kids control the towel themselves to promote body awareness and arm control.

• Have fun! Add music or sing songs.