10 reasons to love messy play
Messy play isn’t just about getting covered in paint. From talking to mums at my local classes it’s much much more.
- Socialising – once parents are ready to get out and about with their little ones it’s time to introduce the little people to each other. Messy play allows children of all abilities to become involved and get to know other children. As messy play does not rely on words all abilities and ages* can join in and use the materials with their peers and parents. (*SPLAT Messy Play is suitable for children from 5 months to 5 years)
- Adult socialising – it’s not just sociable for the babies and toddlers either. Being a parent can be quite lonely at times with only baby talk for company. Messy play allows parents and childminders to grab time whilst the little one is busy, to chat, compare notes and build new friendships.
- Physical development – children are given the tools to develop and practice fine motor skills and eye hand coordination. Activities such as stacking, pouring and spooning develop eye-hand coordination. Practising cutting, writing in crazy soap or paint and using tongs develops fine motor skills. Hands-on activities provide opportunities for children to compare textures such as smooth, rough, hard and soft. While respecting each other’s personal space, children gain an understanding of their own body space too.
- Learning to play as an adult – Becoming a parent is difficult enough with feeding and sleeping routines to handle, not to mention car seat, buggy and pushchair, high chair and cot dilemmas. However no one tells you how to play with your child. For some this comes naturally but for others spending time with their little ones allows opportunities to build confidence as an adult in teaching, playing, supporting and guiding.
- Personal and emotional development – messy play is designed with children’s natural curiosity in mind. It encourages a positive approach to new experiences. There is no “right” way for children to “do” messy play which builds self-confidence and self esteem.
- Mess aversion support – some babies and, indeed, parents do not like mess. It’s common but not insurmountable. A baby will get messy whether eating, drinking, playing or worse (!) It’s part of everyday life as a parent. Especially when weaning or moving children onto self feeding and potty training, parents need to accept messy hands and children shouldn’t be afraid of it. It’s all part of learning. Messy play allows these first steps into the messy world in a safe, clean and hassle free environment.
- Communication development – during messy play, little ones are given many opportunities to speak and listen. They will use words and gestures to share resources, explain actions, negotiate plans and take turns.
- Creative space – Children are given endless opportunities with a variety of materials to build their imagination and creativity. Through sensory experiences, they can respond to what they see, hear, feel, touch and smell. They can express their feelings and thoughts through colour, texture and shapes.
- Mathematical exploration – messy play offers many opportunities for counting, calculating and measurement. The children will sort objects, fill containers and create patterns with water, bubbles, paint, slime, blocks and toys.
- Mess without the mess – by taking a child to messy play, parents, carers and childminders do not have to manage such activities at home. Huge tarpaulins allow the babies and toddlers to crawl, waddle and toddle and play freely through paint and slime and water and play dough without the hassle of clearing up at the end. What’s not to love?
Northerner & mum talking all things baby & toddler; how to survive motherhood & playgroups, party planning, weaning, potty training and all thing messy!
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!