It’s cold and flu season — this year more than ever, the importance of washing hands weighs heavily on most parents and care givers minds. When I was contacted by Shandle to sample and review their product that would help my son remember to wash his hands I happily consented. I think it’s important that children be taught early the importance of proper hygiene — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a public rest room and witnessed women and their children exit the rest room with out washing their hands, which usually causes a grossed out look to spread rather quickly across my face– I get annoyed when I witness mothers not teaching their children proper hygiene! My sons have to play on the same swings, slides, and merry go rounds so I consider it a public dis-service and altogether nasty to not wash your child’s hands — not to mention the simple fact that a little soap and water can help prevent your child from getting sick.
Enter Shandle. What is a Shandle you ask? A Shandle is a toilet seat handle that attaches with adhesive to the underside of a toilet seat. They’ve got cute little pictures and important messages to help remind your child to wash their hands, flush, or put the toilet seat down.
What I liked: My son thought it was hilarious that there was a frog on our toilet seat. Each time he used the restroom he’d come out telling me that he’d washed his hands, which tells me that the product actually helped remind him. It made hand-washing into a sort of game instead of a chore which is certainly a positive.
My main concern-created by the clean freak in me-when I first opened up the package and studied it– is that I have boys-only one who is potty trained so far but his aim is terrible, therefor I was worried that urine and germs were going to get trapped underneath the Shandle and would end in one gross mess. Until I read that the Shandle is made from antimicrobial plastic, and can be cleaned every time I clean my toilet. My worries squelched I went and installed the Shandle which was as easy as using tape and took less than a minute. Thus far we’ve had no problems and I don’t anticipate any.
What I didn’t like: As per the package’s instructions you can’t use the Shandle for 24 hours to “allow the adhesive to bond with the toilet seat.” Getting my child to wait 24 hours for anything is not easy — it’s even harder when he’s curiosity is peaked and he’s in an enclosed space by himself. To his credit he says he didn’t use the handle but lifted up the seat to look and read the picture. I’m not sure if I can believe him.
The Shandle retails for $6.99 and you can purchase it on their website.
