How to Teach Kids About Germs: A Quick Guide to Germs for Parents by Donna John

Parenting
4 years ago

How to Teach Kids About Germs: A Quick Guide to Germs for Parents

With germs in the news right now due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many kids might be scared and anxious, and not fully understand. Small kids should be taught the basics about germs to help reinforce the importance of washing their hands, but you don't want to overload them with too much information. Here are some basic facts about germs to share with your kids:  

What Are Germs?

Germs are invisible organisms that can get inside of our bodies and make us sick. You can’t see them with the naked eye – you’ll need a microscope to get a peek.

How Germs Spread

  • Germs are most commonly spread when you cough or sneeze. If you cover your mouth with a tissue or sneeze/cough into your elbow, that will help stop the spread of germs. Immediately throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
  • Handwashing is a crucial factor in stopping the spread of germs. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
  • Sharing food, hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing toys, etc., also spreads germs. If someone is obviously sick, avoid these things – and wash your hands often.

The Different Kinds of Germs

  • Virus: While viruses need to be inside your body to live, they can survive for small amounts of time on things like cellphones, doorknobs, books, etc. Viruses can cause illnesses such as the flu, measles, chickenpox and coronavirus. 
  • Bacteria: With just one cell, bacteria can get inside your body and cause illnesses such as pneumonia and ear infections. Not all bacteria are bad. We have good bacteria in our intestines that help with digestion. 
  • Protozoa: Another one-cell organism that’s most often spread through water. Protozoa can cause infections in the intestines, diarrhea and other stomach ailments. 
  • Fungi: This multi-cell, plant-like organism grows in damp, warm places. Fungi can cause rashes in humans, like athlete's foot.

Now that your child knows a little more about germs and how they spread, have some fun by printing out and coloring these printable germ coloring pages

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Learning About Germs: 10 Printable Coloring Pages of Germs for Kids

Wash Your Hands Song for Kids: Help Kids Practice Proper Handwashing With This Fun Song

How to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer: These DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes Are All Natural

How to Clean Your Cellphone: 5 Easy Steps to a Cleaner Phone

Elisa Schmitz
What a great breakdown of germs, Donna John . Helpful for parents and kids alike, thank you!
Tribe
Good to know the differences!
Donna John
Keep it simple! But kids need to be educated, especially during this unprecedented situation we are in.

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Happy International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women's Achievement & Driving Gender Equality

Volunteering: Gain Marketable Jobs Skills Through Helping Others!