[smokey2008]

What is the guideline for how many times a day children should be washing hands or using purell? As it is they eat three times a day while at school (lunch, 2 snacks). I am having them purell on the way in and wash or purell each time before eating. This is in addition to after blowing their nose or using the washroom. Their little hands are getting so dry. Am I going overboard?

[Peaches Pears]

Nope
IMHO you are right on target.

[Alicia G]

You are doing the right thing! They need at least that much cleaning.

You might want to make sure the soap you are using is mild. Often schools use industrial-strength antibacterial soap (often it's clear yellow or clear orange). Anything antibacterial eats skin right off the bone! A good moisturizing soap (Softsoap or a knock-off brand -- often opaque and pearly looking) will treat their hands better.

Also, put a pump of moisturizer near the sink and encourage the kids with rough hands to use it.

[smokey2008]

Thanks for the reassurance. I had parents send in nicer soap. We have horrible pink soap at school.