The Benefits of Messy Play
for Kids
Let’s talk mud! And paint and glue, sand and feathers and all things parents and carers shudder to hear shouted.
There are several reasons why childcare educators employ messy play (or Sensory Play to the learned) – it develops senses, it improves motor skills, but perhaps the most important reason is because it’s just FUN!
Research tells us that having fun is a serious business! When a child is having fun, they’re learning to get along with others, expressing creativity and building on those oft mentioned ‘blocks’ of development.
So where to start?
A recent RCH poll found most parents (94%) recognise play is important for a child’s physical and brain development and many (58%) are keen to learn more about how to play with their child, however often parents and carers struggle to identify engaging activities to undertake with toddlers and pre-schoolers.
There are perceived barriers such as cost and risk, yet most might be surprised to find you don’t need much at all to get messy at home.