No matter where you live in the world, the coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is or will soon be at your doorstep. And while this new virus is scary for so many people (rightfully so), the truth is that everyone could use a little refresher now and then on how important it is to wash your hands properly – and for long enough – as often as necessary.
Now, the CDC and WHO have important work to do, so they’re only giving you one song option to easily count down your 20 seconds of washing time – Happy Birthday twice – but luckily, there are people all over the internet ready and willing to give you more options.
Below are 5 alternatives hand-picked for the kids in the house!
5. Mary Had a Little Lamb
Your kid probably already knows this one, it’s harmless, and hey, you only have to sing the first verse to use up your 20 seconds.
4. If You’re Happy and You Know It
Change “clap your hands” to “wash your hands” and voila! 20 seconds has passed and your kid has spent it following directions. Will miracles never cease?!
3. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Another lyric tweak and you’ve got “wash, wash, wash your hands as well as you can!” so this takes the recommended 20 seconds and reminds your toddler what they’re supposed to be doing at the same time.
2. The Alphabet Song
This is a favorite in our house, and honestly, it usually takes more than 20 seconds (unless someone has something they’d really rather be doing).
1. The Germs Song
This one probably isn’t as easy or familiar, but it is instructive! The Kiboomers use three verses to get into the nitty-gritty gross stuff that’s stuck to your hands before you wash them, and any one of them is long enough to get you to your goal.
If your toddler is like mine, you might have to ask them to sing the song twice because they do it so fast, but there you go!
What are you singing while you wash your hands these days? We’re dying to know!