Continued...
Unleash creativity.
Messy play allows children to express themselves in ways they don’t normally get to. Think color mixing, designing, building, squishing, painting, pretend worlds – there are so many possibilities. Here are some messy, creative play ideas:
- Dump a pile of building blocks and see what they can create.
- Use toothpicks and gumdrops or miniature marshmallows to create awesome structures.
- Create cool ice sculptures.
- Make this scented finger paint.
- This sticky mud can be the scene of all sorts of imaginative play!
##ad##
Calm anxious kids.
Some messy play activities can calm anxiety and reduce stress. Try the following activities with your anxious child.
- Create a playdough sensory box. The feel of playdough is calming, and shaping it focuses the mind and helps calm anxiety.
- Build a Lego fidget spinner.
- Give your child a tray or bowl of rice with a few scoopers, spoons, and cups for transferring and pouring. You can even scent the rice with a drop of pure lavender essential oil for a more calming effect.
- Make your own Lego fidget cube.
- Let your child make his or her own glitter calming jar.
Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.