(HealthDay News) -- Keeping kids' hands clean goes a long way toward keeping children healthy, especially if they attend daycare or school.

The Mayo Clinic recommends:

  • Showing your child how to properly wash hands. Supervise the first few sessions.
  • Having your child wash hands frequently throughout the day.
  • Making sure your child scrubs long enough. Have the child sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
  • Keeping a stepstool nearby to help your small child reach the sink.
  • Keeping hand sanitizer within reach if soap and water aren't available. Make sure hands are dry before the child touches anything.