This post is sponsored by Swiffer. As always, all opinions are 100% my own!
I know that I don’t really talk about my other job much, but outside of this blogging gig, I also work part time as a pediatric physiotherapist. I am a firm believer that children need to be presented with a wide variety of opportunities to learn and explore through creative play. This can definitely be a messy process at times but the payback is SO worth it. “Messy play” is an essential part of the early learning process and allows children to imagine, discover, and create. Through this play they will develop the cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical skills that they will need later in life. And best of all – it’s fun!
I love this quote and thought that it would make a cute printable for a playroom or child’s bedroom and would be a good reminder to encourage creative play. I also have another one for you at the end of the post {along with some fun activity ideas!} so just click on the links to download your copy! 🙂
DOWNLOAD 8×10 PRINTABLE HERE
DOWNLOAD 11×14 PRINTABLE HERE
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend a fun Swiffer event in New York City to help promote kids’ creative play. The goal of the event was to to inspire parents to say “Yes to the Mess” and encourage their children to learn and explore through a variety of creative activities.
We finger painted, decorated cookies, played with an “explosive” science experiment, and just had fun getting messy with the kids!
Sarah Michelle Gellar {yes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer!} even dropped by the event and got in on the cookie action!
After the event there were {of course!} lots of Swiffer products available to quickly clean up the mess.
When I came back home, I was given a couple of those famous Swiffer green boxes to pass on the Swiffer Effect to a deserving family with their own little creative toddler.
Becky and I have actually been friends since Kindergarten {I won’t count how many years that has been!} and I knew her little boy, Alex, would be a great example of how to have fun getting down and dirty!
First of all, this little guy is SO cute – I just love his smile. He loves heading outside to dig in the dirt, play in his sandbox, and jump in those puddles!
Secondly, it totally made me miss the days when my little guys were this age. They too loved their diggers and front loaders, and knew the names of all of the big machines that I couldn’t even begin to tell you about. They would spend hours just playing in the dirt, trekking through the bushes, and exploring outdoors. I’m sure you have heard it before, but if you have little ones this age, soak it all in and enjoy those moments. I promise you that they will be one of your most treasured memories!
After our fun adventures outside, we headed back in to check out the Swiffer boxes. A little mud may have followed us in…
After checking out the boxes, we set up the Swiffer Wet Jet and let Alex test it out – you might as well get them cleaning while they think that’s it fun!
I just loved his face when he was checking out the dirt that he sucked up!
He also discovered that the Swiffer dusters work great for dusting Legos. I think we might have a future clean master in the works! 🙂
If you are looking for some fun and creative activities to help get you started with your own kiddos, here are some great ways to encourage creative play in kids…
- Play with bubbles and get your child to pop them using different body parts such as their head, foot or elbow. It’s a great way to get them moving, work on balance, and teach them body awareness!
- Play with shaving foam. You can experiment with it on a sliding glass window or mix it with some food coloring and white glue to “paint” with it on paper.
- Make a fun treat in the kitchen. Making bread is always a fun activity for kids since they really have to use their hands to knead it, but anything goes!
- Go outside and explore! Jump in puddles to see who can make the biggest splash, try walking on a variety of different surfaces such as sand piles, bark mulch, or uneven trails to help work on balance, or try an outdoor scavenger hunt.
- Create a sensory rice bin {or use dried beans which are much easier to pick up!} and have them dig for treasures or play with their cars and trucks in it.
- Paint and decorate large cardboard boxes. It can be a car, boat, clubhouse, or whatever else your child comes up with.
- Make your own playdough. Look for edible versions like this one and you don’t even have to be worried about them eating it!
- Create an art station where your kids have access to a variety of supplies such as different papers, crayons, washable markers, and other age appropriate art supplies. Try different paints or glitter for some extra sensory fun or try “finger” painting with their feet. Set up an area where they can proudly display their work!
- Try out some fun science experiments. There are a ton of them out there targeted towards toddlers and preschoolers and they are always sure to bring some fun! This elephant toothpaste was always a big hit around here.
So, the bottom line is this: Say YES to the mess and enjoy those everyday creative messes with your kids! Not only will you be teaching your children valuable skills, but you will also be creating some fun memories along the way. And when you are done, you can count on Swiffer to help you {and your kids!} clean up those messes in no time!
Here is one more quote from the great Mr. Rogers to leave you with…
DOWNLOAD 8×10 PRINTABLE HERE
DOWNLOAD 11×14 PRINTABLE HERE
I’m a paed Physio too!!!
That play day looked so fun and messy 🙂
That’s cool – such a fun job! {except for the paperwork!!} Yes, it was a fun playdate!
Allowing kids to explore their creativity freely is such a great idea. It really lets them explore new interests, and figure out what their hobbies are. Thanks for sharing!