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7 Cleanup Songs for Toddlers: Making Tidying Fun

Keeping a tidy home can be a challenge, especially when you have little ones running around. The task seems even more daunting when it comes to encouraging toddlers to clean up after themselves. One fantastic way to make tidying up enjoyable is through music! Singing songs can transform cleanup time into a fun activity, while also teaching your child responsibility. Here are seven delightful cleanup songs that will have your toddlers singing and tidying in no time!

1. The Cleanup Song

Perhaps the most well-known cleanup song is simply titled The Cleanup Song. With its catchy melody and repetitive lyrics, it encourages little ones to join in the chorus and sing along as they put their toys away. Many parents have created their own versions, but a commonly used tune goes:

(To the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”)
“Time to clean up, everyone,
Put away your toys, it’s so much fun.
Pick up your blocks and put them away,
Cleaning up is our game today.
Time to clean up, one, two, three,
Let’s all tidy up happily!”

2. Clean Up, Clean Up

A classic that’s often used in preschools, Clean Up, Clean Up is repetitive and easy for toddlers to follow. You can personalise it by adding actions to the words, encouraging more engagement.

“Clean up, clean up,
Everybody, everywhere!
Clean up, clean up,
Everybody do your share!”

By repeating the verse, children quickly learn the routine while having a sing-along party during cleanup time.

3. The Wiggles’ Cleanup Song

The Australian children’s music group, The Wiggles, has a fantastic song specifically for cleaning up. Their vibrant tunes and fun performances make tidying up feel like a dance party.

“It’s time to clean up, clean up,
We’re gonna tidy up the place!
With a little wiggle and a shake,
Cleaning up is fun, let’s move with grace!”

The combination of melody and movement will energise your little ones and make them excited about cleaning.

4. This Old Man (Cleanup Version)

A playful take on the traditional This Old Man can easily be adapted for cleanup. It allows for creativity and fun as your child acts out the verses!

“This old man, he played one,
He cleaned up his toys and had such fun!
With a pat, pat here, and a pat, pat there,
Let’s all clean up, show that we care!”

Modify the verses to include various toys and actions, keeping the cleanup engaging and exciting.

5. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (Cleanup Version)

Utilise the popular children’s song Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes as a cleanup anthem! It’s an engaging way for kids to learn body parts while they tidy.

“Clean up, clean up, here we go,
Tidy up your toys, make them glow!
Pick up your blocks and sing out loud,
Let’s all clean up and feel so proud!”

Involve movements to encourage your toddlers to stretch and reach for their toys, making cleanup a playful exercise.

6. The More We Get Together

The classic The More We Get Together can also be adapted into a fun cleaning song. Its message of togetherness makes it perfect for family cleanup sessions.

“The more we clean together, together, together,
The more we clean together, it’s better for you and me!
With a toy here and a toy there,
Let’s all work together with love and care!”

This song promotes collaboration and teamwork, making tidying a shared effort that everyone can enjoy.

7. If You’re Happy and You Know It (Cleanup Version)

Lastly, transform If You’re Happy and You Know It into a cheerful cleanup tune. The idea is to modify the lyrics to focus on cleaning actions.

“If you’re happy and you know it, tidy up!
If you’re happy and you know it, tidy up!
If you’re happy and you know it, and you really want to show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, tidy up!”

The additional actions keep children engaged and turn the cleanup process into a lively event.

Conclusion

Incorporating songs into your tidying routine can make a world of difference for toddlers and parents alike. These seven cleanup songs are great tools to encourage cooperation, foster responsibility, and make cleaning a delightful experience. So, the next time the toys are scattered across the floor, put on your best singing voice and get ready to transform cleanup time into a fun family affair!