There’s nothing babies and children like more than getting messy – whether they’re sticking their fingers in their food or jumping in puddles. And, say top psychologists, messy play can help children learn. So before you whisk your little one away from the flower beds, now could be a good time to dig a bit deeper into the subject...
Why messy play works for kids...
Dr. Janine Spencer is a Lecturer in Psychology at Brunel University, and an expert in infant behaviour and child development. She says that letting kids get messy while they’re playing gives them endless ways to develop and learn.
‘Taking part in messy activities helps children use their senses to explore the world around them’, Janine told Huggies Club. ‘Messy play can help improve their physical and social skills, and encourages them to think creatively and problem solve. Not only that – it’s fun!’
... it helps them use all their senses
Children are naturally curious and love finding out more. Messy play gives them the freedom to try things out and experiment. And because they’re also playing, they’re developing their thinking skills in a stress-free and relaxed way.
When children are actively involved in play, it’s a lot easier for them to respond to what they see, hear, smell, touch and feel. This kind of sensory development isn’t always possible in formal learning, and it’s one of the great benefits of messy play.
... it helps them get to grips with new ideas
For example, blowing bubbles and watching them pop is great for giving children the giggles. It also helps them develop their hand-eye coordination and learn about surface tension. How’s that for an easy science lesson!
Similarly, a simple bowl of cornflower mixed with water can help children understand more about liquids and solids in a hands-on way, literally. The gloopy mixture looks solid – but try picking it up!
Making sand castles or mud pies can encourage children to think about shape, space, volume and weight. The physical act of carrying water and sand around the garden helps improve balance and co-ordination, too.
Messy play is even more fun when children can take part with their friends. Sharing resources is a great way to learn the value of teamwork and cooperation, and gives children a chance to develop their communication skills without even realising it.
... it helps them think differently
Arts and crafts give babies and children the opportunity to stretch their imagination and use different materials in new and exciting ways to express their thoughts and feelings.
Creative play gets children approaching tasks differently, and gives them a chance to set their own challenges and solve problems. By using tools and objects to draw and paint with, they’re also improving the motor skills that are critical for learning to write.
Kids quickly become absorbed in what they’re doing, so creative activities have added value in terms of building attention skills, which are so important to learning.
... and it’s easy to get started!
Dr. Janine Spencer believes the best way to help your child get the most out of messy play is to join in yourself, and support their learning by asking open-ended questions and listen to their answers.
It couldn’t be easier to get started - and your child will love it – so why not give it a try?
Top tips for messy play...
- Sponges, fingers, hands and feet are as good as brushes for painting with.
- Try magic painting... draw on white paper with a white candle, then lightly paint all over the paper and watch the image magically appear.
- Kids enjoy cutting out and sticking down, and collage making is always popular as the possibilities are endless.
- Instead of crayons, pencils and paper – try twigs or lolly sticks to make marks on sand or other materials.
- Play-Doh is great for engaging children in creative play – try using it with and without cutters and moulds, or adding extra ‘ingredients’ like glitter, shredded paper or uncooked rice.
Huggies® Baby Wipes – ideal for quick clean ups!
Sticky fingers are all part of the fun of messy play. But when playtime is over, Huggies® Baby Wipes are perfect for gently cleaning little hands and faces.
