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You can maintain a tidy home while allowing your children to enjoy the benefits of nature.
Written by Sarah Johnson
March 31, 2022
Most parents tend to fall into one of two categories: those who happily allow their kids to get messy and those who steer clear of any kind of mess. I identify with the latter group, yet I secretly wish I could be more like the former. I often admire parents who eagerly dive into messy activities with their little ones. I can never quite pinpoint why something as enjoyable as baking with toddlers makes me feel uneasy. Maybe it’s because I dread the thought of scrubbing flour off the kitchen floor afterward. Some might label my reluctance as being a neat freak, and while I can’t argue with that, I know many parents face a similar struggle, wanting to let their kids explore but in a way that minimizes stress and maximizes joy.
The reality is that having kids is inherently messy. From spaghetti-sauce stains on the floor to overflowing toy bins, you might already feel overwhelmed. However, since the pandemic, I’ve come to realize that messy play, especially when it involves nature and dirt, can promote cognitive growth in ways that traditional activities, like building with Legos, cannot. I’ve accepted that while I might not relish the sight of my kids playing in dirt, I must learn to coexist with it. Yes, they will get messy, and yes, their clothes will be ruined. What makes it worthwhile is witnessing the sheer delight on their faces as they discover bugs in their environment or ponder where the water they poured into the dirt has gone. In these moments, I remind myself that it’s their job to explore and get dirty, while mine is to foster a nurturing environment for their learning—and to run a bath when it’s all over.
Fortunately, you don’t have to completely sacrifice your desire for a clean home in the name of childhood development. After some trial and error, I’ve created a system that allows for nature-based play that is enjoyable and controlled for both my child and me.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is empowering. Understanding the benefits of letting your kids play outside can help some parents accept the inevitable mess. Children learn best when engaging all their senses, and nature-based play is vital for their development. Pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom emphasizes that the increasing sensory deficits in children can partly be attributed to a lack of nature experiences. Allowing kids to get messy lets them create meaningful connections with their surroundings.
Dress Them for Success
This is crucial, especially if you’re new to messy play. You can’t expect your kids to play outside in their brand-new Christmas sweater and then be upset when it gets dirty. I’ve found that designating “outdoor play clothes” (i.e., items I don’t mind getting stained or torn) helps set realistic expectations and prevents disappointment when they inevitably get filthy.
Establish a Clean-Up Routine
While it’s essential to encourage nature play, teaching kids to clean up is equally important. Routines can be beneficial, so we turn clean-up into a fun game. For example, one child collects the toys while the other hoses down the area. After some practice, they learned that dirt stays outside, and when I allow them to play freely, they listen better during clean-up.
Consider Composting
Compost bins are not only a fantastic learning tool for kids, but they also help contain some of the mess. I prefer electric composters that turn our household scraps into dirt for gardening. This was especially helpful during the pandemic, teaching my kids about environmental health and responsibility.
Nature-based play is a wonderful way for children to engage their senses and develop various skills. While it can be tough for a cleanliness-focused parent to watch the chaos unfold, these strategies can help manage the mess while ensuring that everyone enjoys the experience.
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Summary:
Encouraging children to engage in messy play, particularly outdoors, can greatly enhance their cognitive and sensory development. While it may be challenging for neat-freak parents to embrace this chaos, implementing strategies such as dressing them appropriately, establishing clean-up routines, and understanding the benefits of nature play can create a balanced environment for learning and exploration.
Keyphrase: Encouraging Kids to Get Messy
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