Sensory Messy - Mess Play

With any type of messy play, have clean-up materials close at hand. Paper towels, hand wipes, a bottle of water, damp wash cloths, and the like are great to have at the ready for quick clean-ups. An apron may also be an easy way to keep clothes clean.

If your child will not touch any activity presented that is just “too messy,” they can still participate by using a paint brush, paint stirrer, disposable gloves, or other similar items to smoosh, swirl, poke, and explore with.

Messy playtime when other children are around and getting “dirty,” can help to encourage your child to watch and maybe join in. Remember to “dress for the mess,” and if you let your child see that it’s ok for you to get a little dirty too, they may be more likely to give the activity a try.

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There are many children who do not hesitate to jump into mud puddles, smear finger-paint all over themselves, dig deep into the dirt, and just generally end up getting dirty all over. Children however are each unique and different, with many who do not like to touch anything remotely sticky, or dirty, or messy looking.

If your child is sensitive to touching certain items, or in getting their hands, face, or body “dirty,” you know that they avoid many activities or even get upset over getting “messy.” For some, even just looking at something can may them cry, retch, vomit, or run.

Since children learn through play, exploring their world includes contact with the world around them. Exploratory play includes touching, looking at, putting items in their mouth, and in using all of their senses. Exploratory play does include “messy play.”

1.    Use plastic covers, small tarp, plasti-coated table cloth or shower curtain for quick messy clean up (a dollar store has a good selection to use)

2.    Wear aprons or play clothes that can stand the mess!

3.    Shaving Cream (unscented for those with “smell issues”) to spread out and around with hands and feet

4.    Homemade slime (click HERE for Slimy ideas)

5.    Jelly or jam to spread around – sticky to be sure, but if they happen to lick their fingers then they’ll get a sweet treat!  Jelly is smooth, and jam will have more texture with small pieces of the fruit in it. Totally messy and totally edible.

6.    Spread out the peanut butter, almond butter, or sesame butter! Let them smear it around, spoon it out, fill cups with it, spread it on bread or a cracker; let them use their hands and taste test as they go! Try smooth or chunky for a different sensory experience!  You don’t need the whole jar – just enough to be able to smear it and play in it.  

7.    Make a sloppy to firm (vary the texture) “paste” using oatmeal (not instant) with water, spreading and smooshing, and squishing around on your plastic protector or plasti-coated table cloth

8.    Squeeze out some syrup or honey and let them play in it, paint with it (using a brush or cut up sponge), taste test it

9.    Sensory Papier Mache Activity (Blog right here on TheraPlay4Kids.com - Click the active link and go!)

10.   Finger Paints – paint paper, paint themselves; use of fingers and/or brushes; encourage making their own special creation just for you

11.    Face Painting – use child safe / face friendly paints – take a picture for your child to see before you wipe it all off (if they can tolerate it that long)

12.   Check out Blog on MESSY PLAY here on TheraPlay4Kids.com

13.   A CLEAN Messy activity is playing in a Sensory Rice Box (See info and directions by clicking active link)

14. Jump in mud puddles! Roll in them, lay in them, whatever your child will tolerate! Dirt will wash off but the experience and memories will last forever (just don’t push or force muddy messy play as you do not want those memories and experience to be traumatic!)

15. Spread finger paints onto a tarp outside and encourage your child to slide through, roll over, and just get covered! If they are not able to manage this total immersion into messy play, even getting a toe into the finger paint is a start!

16. Keep clean up materials at the ready in case you need to clean the mess off your child in a hurry

Messy Mess Play can always be cleaned up - Enjoy the Experience! Keep Smiling!!

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