the wondrous little song

A good friend recently asked me about a little health-friendly tip we use around here.  Of course, as our saga proves, hand-washing does not guarantee good health.  However, it's probably the greatest aid to fighting the spread of disease (even the common plague - er, cold - that you've seen described here).  So, in the interest of contributing along other brilliant women on Shannon's little list, here's my tip:

Sing a song while you wash your hands!

Without some sort of timer, children (and adults) invariably hurry through their hand-washing.  People, a squirt of soap and splash of water is not keeping germs where they belong!  So, we instituted a singing timer around here, and it works well.  Once hands are wet & soapy, sing your A-B-C's.  

Yes, I said SING the "ABC" song.  It takes about 20-30 seconds to sing, which is reasonably long enough.  When you finish the song, rinse hands and dry them well.  

We also use this song for taking turns.  For example, one boy can jump on the trampoline until the other gets through his A-B-C's.  Or one boy can race the truck around the living room until the other finishes "...next time won't you sing with me?"

I've tried other songs, but none of them stick.  So, the A-B-C's work for me.  Enjoy your Wednesday!