A Messy Toddler is a Happy Toddler

I’m back and ready to admit: my kids are a MESS. Like, all the time. Currently, Bug is covered in sidewalk chalk and Bean is trying to eat leaves outside. **Please excuse me for a minute while I go take a handful of grass out his mouth for 237th time today** But, while they are a messy disaster, they are happy. I can sit and enjoy my coffee and watch them dive into life head first this morning.

Why is a messy toddler a happy one? Let’s get a little science-y for a minute. The skin is the largest organ of the body. It takes in all the information about hot and cold, wet and sticky, prickly and rough. The sense of touch is one of the first ways babies learn about their environment and through childhood, it continues to be one of the favorites. The physical engagement provides an opportunity to learn about how the child’s body reacts to their world and provides the opportunity to reinforce the natural learning that comes along with childhood play. For example, Bug has learned that big hugs for soft things usually doesn’t end well. Rest in peace, little squished daisy.

A messy toddler is a happy toddler because she is busy, she is engaged, and she is learning. Without the stress of being clean, she can conquer her little world that is the backyard (or kitchen, or living room – hopefully carpet is not involved in today’s learning experience).

When a kid isn’t afraid to get messy, just think of the possibility for adventures! Digging up the dirt to plant a flowers, wading through the puddles, helping bake cookies with flour all over their hands and face. That last one takes a little letting go on Mom’s part, too.

Now let’s back up a few steps and understand all this isn’t to say that we aren’t letting the kids get messy enough, but more to empower the reasoning behind why our kids always seem to want to look like little tornados and to reinforce that “it’s okay to let them PLAY!”

So let’s all agree to let the kids be messy!

Today’s world is definitely a little chaotic and I’m sure most families are struggling with the balance of structuring learning schedules and providing enough “wholesome entertainment” to make you feel good about your mommy-ing for the day. The interwebs are full of overwhelming ideas and the inherent pressure that you should take on all these activities.

You don’t have to be a SuperMom to be an Excellent Mom (or dad, or grandparent, or caregiver). I’m here to give you a few ideas to get your kids messy and enjoying the day, too.

Messy Play Activity #1: Dirt and water in the back yard. No shoes, just shovels or old kitchen spoons. Look for bugs (probably best to avoid most of them), chase the lizards, and collect the rocks. Get excited about the learning experiences! And when they say they are dirty, remind them “You Are WASHABLE!” This works even better if you have yard projects planned for the near future – let the kids tear it up for you!

Messy Play Activity #2: The kids will be hungry eventually – or all the time if they are like mine. Let your little one help make lunch! Let them spread the peanut butter and jelly on their sandwich (use the back of a spoon or small spatula if they are not ready to hold a knife). THEN give them a wet washcloth and let them help clean up! You could use a large cookie sheet to help contain the mess.

And for #3: If you really want to do some creating, this is my favorite homemade play dough recipe! We ONLY make play dough outside – at least on the patio, if not in the grass. I let Bug measure and mix with supervision – remember, PLAY IS LEARNING! It’s not going to be perfect and that is okay! Its better than the dried up play dough you already have!

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 TBSP salt
• 1 tsp oil (I prefer coconut)
• 2 TBSP water
• Food coloring – I have heard that gel food coloring is better, but that’s not what we had at home

1. Mix flour and salt together
2. Add oil and water until combined. *Should resemble play dough now*
3. Sprinkle with a little more flour if its too sticky or wet. A little more water if its too dry.
4. Separate the white dough into as many colors as you’d like to make and carefully fold in your food coloring, one dough ball at a time. *Best for Mommy’s to do this part – unless you think its cute when your little one looks like an Easter Egg*
5. THAT’S IT!!

All this to say, a messy toddler is a happy, engaged, and busy toddler. And a messy mommy is a happy, engaged, and busy mommy.

Cheers, Heather