You will have learned, very quickly, that children and mess go hand in hand. From the first dribble on a newborn’s bib to the bulging laundry baskets after sports sessions, you may think that your children and your house will never be truly clean again. If we are not worrying about yoghurt covered hands running along the sofa, we are worrying about the thousands of germs being consumed after the tenth mud fight of the day. Truth is, when it comes to healthy immune systems, exposure to a little dirt may not be a bad thing and honestly, what possessed you to get a beige furniture when you knew kids would be on the horizon!
In a world where children are facing more and more restrictions when it comes to outdoor play, we need to encourage children to step away from the TV and enjoy the freedom of being outdoors and enjoying fresh air. As an adult, we do not want to be told to be perfect all of the time, so why should there be unnecessary rules for children. Sure, you don’t want your little ones looking like a character from a Dickens novel when you turn up to a family wedding but there is no doubt that cheaper clothes are key on an ordinary day. Allowing children to roll around in the grass and to jump in puddles allows them so much freedom and fun to explore the world and, more importantly, with aid their motor development. Gross motor skills can be explored with the use of different uses of materials and outdoor activities, so we should never put in unnecessary limitations. Physical activity and exercise are key to a child’s development, worrying about getting their new trainers dirty is not.
On days when outdoor play is not possible then a spot of messy play and crafting indoors will always keep children entertained. Investing in large splash mats and a Tuff Spot, will take away the stress of the house getting too messy. Strip off shoes, socks and pants and pop on a wipeable overall then you are all set to go with your sensory activities. Allowing children to explore different textures, colours, tastes and sounds, will stimulate the senses and allow children a better grasp on the environment they exist in. Whilst this may seem like just a lot of fun, the exploration of senses along with the development of fine motor skills, will mean that an extra half hour of cleaning will provide endless results. Messy play can also be surprisingly calming, for parent and child, particularly water play and sound exploration. Our children grow so quickly, so they will soon fly the nest and leave you will your stain free mirror and perfectly arranged cushions. In the meantime let kids be kids and let’s get messy.
Deborah Giannasi
Merseyside, UK