How to Have Messy Play Without Losing Your Mind

Did you know that messy play is an important part of your child's early development? WHAT?!?! Yes, there really is something to be said for getting a little messy! J  I know sometimes it can feel quite intimidating to let little Susie use those scissors, glue and markers but what really happens when she does is SO beneficial!

Here are a few things messy play can help to develop:

Language & Creativity

Messy play screams creative because you get to make and do whatever you want with it. Talk to your child about what materials you're working with, what colors they are, how do they feel, also compare them with other materials to build language and vocabulary.

Sensory & Fine Motor Skills

Young children love tactile learning and using different textures is always interesting to a curious mind. Improved fine motor skills is another plus to be gained from grasping writing tools, cutting paper, kneading play dough etc. not to mention better hand-eye coordination.

Math & Reasoning Skills
This is the perfect activity to learn counting, sorting, patterns and more because it’s hands on fun! Kids love picking out all the seeds or buttons or whatever to find all those that match and look similar. What better time to explore how some things are the same and how they are different.

Confidence & Self Regulation

Messy play can also be a very relaxing activity for children which can help with self regulation. It can also be a confidence booster with children. Some activities can be very product driven. The great thing about messy play is you don’t have to create anything for it to be perfect as opposed to an activity where there is a beginning and an end.

This list is not exhaustive but you get the idea!

Overcoming Fears of Messy Play!

Now this may come easier for some than others with OCD tendencies but please don't let it stop you from allowing your child to participate in messy play.

Prepare for messy play! Use washable paints, glue, markers etc. Dress your child for play rather than in their Diva wear and GQ gear. If you like you can also use a smock to protect clothing or your retired oversized t-shirts. Also prep the area you will be using. If you know you are doing water or sand play indoors have towels or a broom handy. I’ve found with glue especially for younger children if you pour it out into a small container (preferably with a lid for later use) and let them use a q-tip or a craft stick it’s much easier for them to work with it.

Take it outdoors! This allows you to get comfortable with messy play without worrying about your furniture and floors. Take that shaving cream outside, use an old baking sheet and let your kids go to town! You can also use food coloring for some added interest and a quick science lesson on color mixing! This is where messy play started for me as a parent. I felt much more relaxed because I didn’t have to worry about spills etc.

Containing play indoors, literally! We have messy play indoors too, but it’s in containers. I have a special box with nothing but various color and kinds of scrap paper and a pair of scissors inside. The kids can cut until their heart’s content, inside the box! This keeps the floor from being a complete mess while still allowing the activity to carry on. This technique can also be used with water play (think dish pan basin) or even sand play just make sure the container has a tight lid. Trays or cookie sheets are also excellent tools for messy play and another way to contain the mess. We do everything from glue, to play dough to painting all on trays.

Now, if the inevitable spill happens just remain calm, this is a prime opportunity for your child to learn how to clean up their mess if they don’t know already. I always help but guide and teach along the way! If you should find yourself still on the verge of getting upset remember that they are still learning (you are still the teacher) and it can’t be as bad as the mess you’ve seen in some diapers, right?

Here are some messy play ideas to help get you started:

·        Markers, crayons, pens, pencils

·        Finger and face paints

·        Play dough, clay, goop

·        Cutting and pasting (Tip: I always recommend letting them do all of their cutting first in order to keep the scissors clean.) J

·        Sand, rice etc. and toys for scooping

·        Spray bottle painting

 This is a great link for messy play recipes!.

Have a very MESSY day!