Q. My little grandchildren don't always wash their hands after bathrooming or before meals. My son and his wife are very casual about this. I think it's disgusting and dangerous. What do you think?

A. There are lots of nasty germs around, and hand-washing is one good way for people to help themselves stay healthy.

Talk with your son and his wife -- but remember that they have the right to decide the "house rules" for their own home.

When you're there, all you can do is be a role model. Let the kids see you washing your hands at the appropriate times.

However, you get to make the "house rules" for your own home. Tell the kids that one rule is to wash hands after going to the bathroom, and before eating or drinking anything.

We suggest that you make hand-washing fun and enjoyable for your grandchildren, rather than a "must do" chore.

At our centers, the children sing the "Happy Birthday" song as they scrub their hands with soap. Kids like to sing it, and the song takes exactly the length of time recommended to get hands clean. When the song is over, it's time to rinse and dry.

You might buy various kinds of soaps -- interesting scents and colors, "character" shapes, foaming bubbles, etc. Each time the kids visit, put out a new soap. Young kids will find that exciting. You could also use kid-oriented towels, so the grandchildren can dry their hands with their favorite characters.

Once hand-washing has become a regular practice at your house, it might just carry over to your son's.

Nationally accredited, 4 Kids Early Learning Network serves children and families throughout the Mon Valley. E-mail questions to: questions@4kidsearlyed.org or mail to: 4 Kids Questions, 445 Fourth St., Braddock, PA 15104.