Little Hearts, Big Scars: Healing Trauma in Young Children

Handwashing is a daily routine for children as they wash their hands often. Children wash their hands before and after eating as well as when they come inside either after playing or going out to the shops or visiting friends and family. Often during handwashing, water play takes place. Water play can be a soothing and calming activity for children, helping to reduce tension and anxiety.  Running hands through water is a gentle repetitive activity which helps children focus, relax and unwind, as well as offering an opportunity to concentrate. Lively water play gives a child to release tension and energy, as well as tiring them out. Children often interact socially with their friends and caregivers during water play and handwashing.

Children explore the world through their sense of touch, mostly using their hands.  They are also touched by others.   Children instinctively know which touches feel safe and warm, giving them a sense of security as well as when a touch feels unsafe and makes them feel uncomfortable. Children need to know that they are in charge of their own body and  are allowed to tell people when a touch makes them feel uncomfortable.  This may be as simple as “I find that hug too hard” or “I do not like it when you pinch me”.  

Children also know when a touch is unwanted and need to be allowed to say they do not want to be touched in that way. To support children in expressing whether a touch is safe,  unsafe, or unwanted it is important that they know the correct names for all their body parts, for example stomach for “tummy” as well as the correct names for their private parts. 

Click on the Healthy Happy Hearts link for a fun relaxing handwashing activity  https://soundcloud.com/healthyhappyhearts/program-3-activity-1-hand-washin