Importance of messy play

Messy play is a term that has gained popularity over the past few years but what actually is messy play and why is it important to introduce it to our children?

Messy play is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an activity that allows your children to make a controlled mess using their hands, feet and probably faces. 

Every activity will be based around a traditionally messy ingredient these could include, paint, mud, clay, jelly, water and my daughters personal favourite BEANS! 

These activities encourage children to explore and understand the world around them by using their senses, curiosity and imagination. 

Now we’ve established what messy play is let’s talk about the benefits messy play has to offer as some parents are put off by the idea of having one big mess left to clean up but the benefits make it worth it. 

Messy play helps towards children developing crucial skills that they need to learn and grow. 

Language skills 

Children of all ages can use and develop their communication and language skills while participating in messy play, even non verbal babies.

As children begin to explore the messy play activity you will notice they are using facial expressions, gestures, laughter, speech and other noises which are all part of communication.

Motor skills 

Messy play mainly involves children using their hands and fingers which helps them develop their fine motor skills aswell as helping to build finger dexterity and hand and shoulder strength. 

Along with developing fine motor skills, messy play also helps to develop gross motor skills, balance skills and spatial awareness. 

These are all skills which will be useful in everyday life as your baby begins to grow. 

Imagination skills 

Messy play has no end goal, there is no right or wrong. It’s created for children to have fun and explore in anyway they wish. It stimulates their curiosity and allows them to see the ingredients and environment however they like. 

Children participating in messy play (especially older children) are going to be asking questions and quickly coming up with their own answers as they continue to explore. 

Social skills 

Messy play can be a great activity for a child to do as an individual but it’s great as a group activity as well. 

It teaches children how to work well as a team and understand each other’s ideas and views. It’s also a great activity for learning personal space and awareness of others emotions. 

Messy play is a great way to ease children into exploring new sensations without overwhelming them 

as they will be inspired to learn and explore more while they’re playing.