You can't trail behind your kids all day long to make certain they take precautions against catching colds, flu and other infectious illnesses.  Your best bet is to teach them when it is most important to turn on the faucet, apply soap, and wash their hands.

1.  Little brother or big sister already sick?  Then wash up after playing with them or handling their toys.

2.  When you've got to 'go' in a public restroom, make sure to not only wash, but to use a hand towel after washing to turn off the faucet and open the bathroom door.

3.  Yummy. That candied apple sure looks great.  But before you put food in your mouth, make certain your hands are cleaned.

4.  Okay, your team won the big game and it's time to high-five everyone.  Let's see, that's dozens of opportunities to catch something you don't want.  After any mass-handshaking or touching event -- including graduations and Bar Mitzvahs -- it's smart to lather up.

5.  School children love recess, as they should.  When it's time to go back to class, try to wash your hands.

6.  After the last school bell rings or when Mom or Dad pick you up from day care, cleanse away the day's germs.

7.  See Spot Run!  See Spot's Germs!  After you play with Spot or where Spot and any of his animal friends have been, it's a good idea to wet, lather and dry.

8.  As hard as it is to keep things sanitary in the house, it's much harder to do so outdoors.  Washing is a good idea after playing under the skies.

9.  We all are taught to cover our mouth when we cough or sneeze.  We can't catch our own cold this way, but we sure can spread it if we don't wash.  That goes for blowing your nose as well.

10.  Now I lay me down to sleep with clean hands.  Like brushing your teeth, it should be part of the bedtime ritual.

Adapted from:  Germ Proof Your Kids: The Complete Guide to Protecting (Without Overprotecting) Your Family From Infections.