Social Emotional Spotlight – Sam’s Tips: Messy Play
Kids learn through play and most kids love messy play. Messy play is difficult for a lot of adults to tolerate. It isn’t a sensory experience that we particularly enjoy, however it is a phenomenal learning experience for your child. Young children need to see and feel their world to understand it. This helps them learn and experience new textures, sounds, smells, tastes. This kind of play fosters creativity, experimenting, teaches them cause and effect, and helps with fine and gross motor skills.
While it might be hard for us to watch and it looks so undesirable to us, try to allow this play when you can. Let your child jump in puddles, their clothes can be washed. Let them dunk their hands in the bucket of bubbles, it will wash off. Let them pour water and sand through funnels, they can help you wipe it up later. Let children take the lead in this kind of play and give them some ownership in the exploration of the materials. You’ll also probably get some fun pictures!
For more help or questions always feel free to reach out: ssavin@jccchicago.org
Written by Sam Savin LCSW, Youth Clinical Social Worker, JCC Chicago