To ask you to show your kids how to wash their hands?

[Tiredoutteacher2020]

I'm a teacher. My immune system is compromised. I'm expected to be in work. There are currently lots of colds going around which I just can't shake. I'm not specifically worried about Covid 19 but I'm worried about catching yet another winter virus. I wash my hands religiously but you'd be amazed how many kids we have to send back to the toilets to wash their hands (and that's just the ones we happen to see). Then there's the putting pencils in their mouths, leaving tissues on their tables, sneezing all over you, holding your hand etc etc. I'm tired of being ill constantly. I love my job and want to do it well. Aibu to ask you to have a hygiene chat with your children this weekend? I would be grateful and I'm sure hundreds of other school staff would be too. Thank you.

I didn’t say that at all. It’s more that I’m amazed that you’re amazed - you must be used to children needing multiple angles of reinforcement by now. You’re a teacher of many years’ experience!

"you must be used to children needing multiple angles of reinforcement by now"

Yes which is exactly why I posted. Multiple angles can include reinforcement from home.
I never said I was amazed.

So we’ve gone from “why should I have to do this parents aren’t reinforcing at home” to “let’s work together”. Hopefully having vented your irritation that’s what will happen

Ivinghoe - I never said the first "quote". Don't put words into my mouth and certainly don't quote me when I clearly haven't said it.

My children had a special hand washing assembly, where they taught everyone proper hand washing, which I think it great.

I've also been reinforcing hand washing at home.

Thank you invismamma.

@ Tiredoutteacher2020 they didn’t have any of the usual bugs. no d&v since my oldest started (2.5 years), no conjunctivitis, even chickenpox don’t seem to go round (isolated cases, but nothing major). its worth the couple of minutes per day (and the kids are well trained by the end of reception)

Our school doesn’t have soap at the sinks.

PPE for yourself, disposable gloves and aprons ? It may be something to consider as kids are just not reliable especially little ones. What precautions do you take when shopping ? Items that have been picked up by others that you then handle, purchase and take home. You're exposed wherever you go. The school maybe higher risk, but if your immuno compromised everywhere is a risk.

Zombiemum - when shopping I wash hands while I'm out and again when I'm back. I always carry a little bottle of anti bac gel too.

Dobby - have you told them?

To let you know that some people do care - we are super hot on teaching this at home. I feel for you x

I’ve been washing hands with my dc for the past week, and fully agree that they need lots of reminding. Mine were good enough at sprinkling their fingers with water after the toilet and before meals but not giving themselves anything close to a proper wash.

I’d really appreciate it if teachers are going through this in school as dc are often better at following along with their peers than their mother’s advice.

We had a party of fourteen 8 year olds a while ago and only three of them managed to flush the toilet.

I think it’s a lot like tooth brushing- it takes a lot of reminding, nagging and checking up before they’re properly independent.

Thank you very much Tiredofwinter. Really appreciate it.

Try ppe is an option just to see if it helps. Constant washing is going to could cause skin irritation. Protocol that I follow at work is max 3xgel and then wash hands as well as glove up. Would it help to have hand gel at each table as well as hand washing ? The way to gel is the same as hand washing, which could reinforce the routine. As long as there is monitoring of potential skin irritation . We have a bi-monthly skin check.

Zombiemum - I'd love to have hand gel on tables. Definitely something I can check whether we're allowed or not (once it's back in stock post Corona of course)

sorry to hear you developed the health complications after starting your career.

TBH I think this is a battle you're not going to win, you know children and you know it takes them time to learn this stuff. I think you'd probably be better changing your job

Have I told them? Who? The school know they don’t have soap. I provide hand gel for my DC.

They wash their hands properly at home, but can’t at school. Due to the above reason.