As the weather cools down, winter brings more than just cosy jumpers and warm drinks – it’s also the season when coughs, colds, viruses and other illnesses tend to spread more easily through families, schools and early learning environments.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to help protect children from getting sick is proper handwashing. While it may seem like a small daily habit, teaching children how and when to wash their hands can make a big difference to their health and wellbeing throughout winter.
Across our early learning centres, supporting children’s wellbeing is an important part of our everyday. Across every Guardian childcare centre, safety first practices help create healthy environments for children to thrive.
Why handwashing matters
Children naturally explore the world through play, touch and shared experiences – which also means germs can spread quickly, especially during winter. Handwashing helps reduce the spread of common illnesses including colds, flu, gastro viruses and other infections.
At every Guardian childcare centre, health and hygiene are part of our routines designed to support children and families throughout the year.
Good hand hygiene can help:
- Reduce the spread of germs
- Protect vulnerable family members
- Minimise time away from learning and play
- Help children build healthy lifelong habits
When children should wash their hands
Enabling children to understand when to wash their hands is just as important as showing them how.
Encourage handwashing:
- Before eating or helping prepare food
- After using the bathroom
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose
- After outdoor play
- After touching shared surfaces or toys
- When arriving home or to their childcare centre
Consistency is key, because the more children practise, the more automatic these healthy habits become.
Tips for teaching children to wash their hands properly
Make it fun
Children are more likely to engage when handwashing feels playful and positive. Singing a short song while washing hands can help children understand how long they need to scrub for – around 20 seconds is ideal.
Songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “Happy Birthday” sung twice are great timers for little learners.
Show every step
Young children learn best through repetition and modelling. Walk through each step together:
- Wet hands with water
- Apply soap
- Rub palms, backs of hands, fingers and thumbs
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry hands properly
Our educators support children to build independence through everyday routines like proper handwashing and healthy hygiene practices.
Use gentle reminders
Children may need regular reminders, especially when they’re excited to move onto the next activity. Calm, positive encouragement reinforces the routine without making it feel like a chore.
Lead by example
Children notice everything. When adults consistently wash their hands and talk about why it’s important, children are more likely to follow along and build the habit themselves.
Talk about germs in simple ways
You don’t need to make children worried about getting sick. Instead, explain that washing hands helps keep our bodies healthy and helps protect our friends and family too.
Supporting healthy habits throughout winter
Alongside handwashing, small daily habits can support children’s wellbeing during the colder months:
- Encouraging plenty of rest and sleep
- Offering nutritious meals and snacks
- Dressing appropriately for changing weather
- Teaching children to cough or sneeze into their elbow
- Keeping children home when they’re unwell to help prevent the spread of illness
Winter illnesses are common, especially for young children building their immune systems. But with consistent routines and healthy habits, families can help children feel more confident, comfortable and supported throughout the season.
At Guardian, creating safe, healthy environments where children can learn and play is part of everything we do. Our safety-first approach across each of our centres supports children’s wellbeing, while giving families peace of mind throughout winter and beyond.
