For most adults hand washing is a normal part of our day. It becomes so routine, in fact, that we sometimes don't realize we are even doing it. But for toddlers it can be one of the biggest problems they encounter that day and it can become a big battle for you.

"It's not uncommon for toddlers to say no to washing their hands," says Ashley Porter, a mother from Huntington, W.V. "But most toddlers want to be big kids. I got my daughter washing her hands by saying she does it just like Mommy."

Let's face it, hands are filled with germs, especially the hands of a child. They are on a mission each day to explore their world, and sometimes the things they get into are not exactly clean. The sooner we can get them used to washing them, the better. It's important to keeping kids healthy and not spreading germs to others.

Understanding what causes common illnesses and how to help stop spreading them is key to keeping society healthy.

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