How do you get them to wash hands?!

[AdinaL]

I'll admit up front, I'm kind of bad at hand washing. I often forget to do it right when we get home or after wiping one if the kids noses.

But of course I want my 6 yo to wash her hands a lot during the cold and flu season. She is, as a lot of kids are, slightly less enthusiastic about the idea.

How do you get your kids ( and remember yourself) to wash their hands?

[BellinghamCrunchie]

Foam soap worked well for DD, plus me being there with her to do it with her.

[serenbat]

all together as well

you come home -shoes go right off, coat and everyone goes into the bathroom

you are eating- not until you wash your hands

you want to help in the kitchen, no wash-NO helping!

you go to the bathroom, you know to wash because it's been done for as long as you can remember

[SweetSilver]

I struggle with this as well, but having been in the nanny business before, I am in the habit of washing hands myself.  I do forget to insist oftentimes, and they frequently protest (except getting dressed and ready for gym-- I just wish they did it without a fight after).

My method when they refuse and I think they should?  I take a page from dear old Grandpa and scare the daylights out of them by telling them that is almost always how they get sick.  We don't get sick very often (we homeschool--that helps a tiny bit, having less contact with dozens of kids everyday) and they hate being sick with a passion.  

Now, if only I can remember to remind them, especially before eating.......

[tropicana]

how do you get yourself and your children to wash your hands frequently?

you get compulsive about doing it. take it seriously, and be THANKFUL that you live in an time and place where you even CAN wash your hands many multiple times a day. 

this seriously does prevent illness...

[AdinaL]

All great advice. I think I'm going to put a note by the coat rack to remind me. With getting everyone in the house and the baby settled, I often just forget.  I need a reminder.

[AdinaL]

Alright!  the note helps!!!

Any fun soaps that help encourage your kids?