The author and illustrator of this bright, upbeat children’s book
are clear: We can inspire our kids to wash their hands, and maintain
other simple health measures, without demonizing germs, adding
more fear and anxiety to their already over-stressed lives. Neither
do we need to encourage them to wage “war” on microbes as if these are the enemy. Nor should we inspire shame and panic when any of us forget or don’t do it “right.”
Sure, our kids need to wash their hands! We all benefit from this, especially now when faced with a global pandemic. But there is an alternative to fear-based and germ-phobic approaches in presenting a simple rhyming “song” that kids
can learn and sing for the length of their hand-washing procedure.

This is a positive way to elicit fun, and a light-hearted relationship to health, while at the same time making the point clear.