handwashing after potty use

[mamaduck]

How do you motivate your kids to wash their hands after they use the potty? I try to make it matter of fact -- as if thats really the only thing to do. But somehow, they still seem to want to shirk it. I often have to remind my 7 yo to go back to wash up, and I end up having a long conversation with my 3 yo everytime he uses the potty. They both use the same logic, "But mom, I don't pee on my hands!" I manage to "win" this argument everytime -- I'm just not bending on it. But I wish it didn't have to always border on a power-struggle. I mean, what the heck is the big deal about taking 2 minutes to wash your hands? :

If anyone has a fool proof method for making sure this gets done everytime with minimal disscussion, let me know, 'kay?

[LunaMom]

I don't know if this will help, but...

I've spoken to my dd about "toilet germs" and said that even though we keep our bathrooms clean, these germs get on her hands when she uses the toilet and can make her (or other family members) sick. She seems to have accepted this just fine, especially since she is old enough to remember how unpleasant it felt the last time she had vomiting or diarrhea.

You can try the usual tricks - fun soap or hand towels that they get to pick out, for example. Or try putting up a silly sign (a picture of hands saying, "I need a bath!" maybe?). With the younger one, maybe you could put a small sticker on his hand after washing, but say that the stickers can only go on clean hands.

Good luck!

[teachma]

When ds was first learning to use the potty, I did give him a small food-type treat afterward. Then, gradually, he stopped asking for the treat as he became a regular potty user. Now, 3 months later, he has started to refuse to wash his hands. So, I re-implemented the snack after potty thing, but of course, he can only eat a snack if his hands are clean...It always works, and without tears or argument. I give him 2 or 3 yogurt raisins. It may be bribe-ish, and you may not be into it (which I would fully understand) but that's the way we get it done.