Hand Washing Tricks for Kids

“Wash up for dinner!” We all know this is more of a formality than a reality these days. The kids are either too excited over what they are going to eat or too upset that you just made them stop what they were doing. Experts say that twenty seconds is the minimum time for actual germ removal, but this might seem borderline impossible for your child. Luckily, there are little tricks that can get your kids excited about cleaning their hands:

1. Foam!- The foam soap is more fun for kids and it works just as good as gel soaps. It doesn’t hurt to get Elsa from Frozen’s face on the front of the bottle either.
2 Sing a Song- Pick a song that you know will run them about twenty seconds. Some popular ones include row your boat, the ABC’s and happy birthday.
3. Make it Accessible- Sometimes the sink is too high and intimidating for young kids. Buy them a stool to make them feel like a big kid every time they wash their hands. They will associate washing their hands with that adult feeling.
4. Spook Them- When they get a cold or a sore throat, remind them it could be because they aren’t washing properly. Talk about how germs are bad for people and that washing their hands is the only way to get rid of them.
5. Make it Automatic- You can buy an automatic soap dispenser for around $40 and your kids will love it. It will be a lot less messy and it will seem like hand washing is a cool, tech savvy thing to do.
6. Detecting Soaps- After having the germ conversation with your kids, it might be smart to get a germ detecting soap. After being applied, the soap will change colors once your child’s hands have been washed for the appropriate amount of time. They’ll be hooked after the first time they see the “magic,” happen.

Washing your hands is important for people of all sizes. Washing your hands after every trip to the bathroom can reduce your risk of contracting the stomach bug by over 40%. If these tricks didn't work, you could try one of these other helpful tips.

What are some of your favorite tricks? Feel free to share with us on Facebook.

You can’t wash your hands without water! If you are having problems with your plumbing, call Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter today at 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web.

Bathroom Child Safety Tips

January is National Bath Safety Month! Let’s remind ourselves how important it is to keep our children protected while scrubbing in the tub. Here are a few ways to keep it fun but also play it safe:

Prevent slipping.
Don’t forget, your children don’t have quite the same coordination as you do and can easily lose their balance. That is why it’s so crucial to help them prevent slips as best as possible. The first tip is to place a mat in the tub, as it’s easy to lose balance in the tub. The second tip is to also place a soft rug outside the tub so that they don’t slip on tile as well.

Use the right shampoo.
If you have a baby or a toddler at home, be sure to use tear free shampoo so that the chemicals don’t sting their eyes. And when rinsing, make sure they tip their head back and use your hand to cup over their eyes. 

Check the temperature.
Always test the temperature of your bath water before allowing your child to bathe. If the water is too hot, you increase the risk of scalding. So use your hand, a thermometer, or buy an anti-scald device that attaches to the faucet in your tub.

Stay in the room.
Be present when your child takes a bath and never leave their side, especially if under the age of 4. Accidents can easily happen if they slip or chew on a toy. If you must leave the room to answer the door, telephone, or for other emergency reason, take your child with you, shut off the water, and continue afterwards. 

If you find that the water in your tub isn’t draining properly or your faucet needs repairs, contact New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter! We are available 24/7 for plumbing needs in the bathroom and all around the house. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.    

Tips for Keeping Tragedy Out of Your Holiday Décor

The holidays, as expected, are a time of love and joy. While decorations help to get you and your family in the spirit of the season, make sure you keep happy in the holidays with these few child safety tips:

Keep your greens watered. A dry Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush is a fire hazard. You'll also want to position them away from any open flames. Keep the candles in a different room and decorate with ornaments that have plastic hooks instead of metal, if possible.

Scan for choking hazards. Miniature décor may be a cute touch but it could also be dangerous for your young ones. If you have curious little toddlers on your hands you'll want to keep all décor that is small enough for choking out of their reach.

Secure the glow. Dangling lights should be secured and untouchable. Make sure your kids can't hang on, pull at or play with them. Staples could also be a fire hazards but securing with clips and setting lights on a timer are both good ideas.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is your neighborhood plumber. From plumbing repair to heating services, bathroom and kitchen installation and more, we are available 24/7 for whatever you need. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.