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Sending your child outside to play (especially in this season) guarantees that they will come back with dirty clothes and hands full of dirt… Dr. Amanda Gummer, child development expert, explains why this is not such a bad idea for its construction.
Jumping in puddles, handling sand, doing crafts or making pottery… Children generally love it. The parents, a little less so, as they think about the “damage” to the clothes and the state of the child after his activity. However, all activities considered dirty have one useful thing in common: they invite the child to explore his environment, to engage with various materials and to stimulate his development. In the media Good To Knowchild development expert Dr Amanda Gummer reveals 5 benefits of messy play.
They stimulate the imagination
Through messy games, children use their creativity and invent many stories. A fact known to toy experts The Entertainer who state in the media: “Parents may see many benefits from letting their children engage in messy play. These activities can help children improve a variety of skills and are a great way to stimulate their imagination and creativity.”
They stimulate all the senses
Messy play is also a great way to develop sensory processing skills. “C“Activities engage multiple senses, including touch, sight and smell, allowing children to learn about materials and textures while expressing themselves artistically.”
They are excellent for fine motor skills
Actions such as squeezing, scooping, and pouring materials can improve hand-eye coordination while also being a form of entertainment. “There fine motor skills is essential for writing and drawing, highlighting how beneficial and educational messy play can be for children’s development.
They promote language development
When your child discovers new sensations and new materials, it also allows him to expand his vocabulary by trying to express himself. You can encourage this by talking to your child while he plays, commenting on sticky, rough or slimy textures, smells he might perceive and sounds he might make. “All of this can help foster a better understanding of the world around them and boost their cognitive development at the same time.”
They soothe feelings of anxiety
Messy play encourages children to focus on their five senses, which can promote mindfulness and act as a grounding activity to help reduce feelings of anxiety.
Dirty games must be supervised
Rest assured, parents! While playing outside (with sand or dirt, etc.) is excellent for your child, it is still necessary not to let the play get out of hand. Gaming tables exist, moreover, to practice this without overflowing. Otherwise, in the case of clay, paint, sand, you can also use protection to let the child explore at his own pace, without bordering on an anxiety attack. Finally, regardless of the type of messy play, make sure your children are supervised at all times. You can also bring a good detergent.
Slide: 12 ideas to develop children’s creativity