Why I DON’T think singing ‘Happy Birthday’ is a good idea for kids protecting themselves from the Coronavirus

I was thinking that’s it’s not a great idea to link the ‘Happy Birthday Song’  to the Coronavirus ! ?

It may become anchored in your child’s mind as a negative, scary time and you don’t want that association unconsciously associated around their birthday !

Also do your kids really want to keep singing ‘God Save The Queen’  over & over!

Now, as parents of children know, getting a child to wash their hands at all can be tricky.

A good tactic to employ is to teach children hand-washing songs that provide them something to focus on for the time that it takes to do it properly.

I really like the ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’ changed lyrics as it’s not linked to anything in particular, and just by singing it once, you cover the 20 second rule   to keep them washing properly but without worry !  

Here’s the official advice

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

I was recently on Channel 5 News talking about how to handle Coronavirus with your family.

Click on the link for my advice:

How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus