When Your Child Comes Home Messy
(Smile, it USUALLY comes out in the wash)
Don't you remember how much fun you had in Pre-K when you had...
Red paint in the hair? Blue paint on the jeans? Sand in the shoes? Peanut butter on a favorite shirt? White socks that look brown? Sleeves a bit damp? If your child comes home looking a bit disheveled they probably had a fantastically fun learning day. So just smile when you child is messy because children learn with all their senses, so let's let them explore!
IF YOUR CHILD IS MESSY THEY PROBABLY......
- worked with a friend
- solved a problem
- created a masterpiece
- negotiated a difference
- learned a new skill
- had a great time
- developed new language skills
YOUR CHILD PROBABLY DIDN'T.......
- feel lonely
- become bored
- do repetitive tasks that are too babyish
- do worksheets that are too easy
- do sit down work that is discouraging
YOU PROBABLY......
- paid good money for those clothes
- Will have trouble getting the red paint out
- are concerned the caregiver isn't paying enough attention to your child
YOUR CAREGIVER PROBABLY......
- was aware of your child's special needs and interests
- spent time planning a challenging activity for the children
- encouraged the children to try new things
- was worried you might be concerned
Young children really learn when they are actively involved in play.....not when someone is talking to them. There is a difference between "messy" and "lack of care." Your caregiver made sure your child was fed, warm, offered new skills and planned messy fun things to do because that's how young children learn!
Send your child in clothes that can get dirty! Keep extra old clothes at the site for times when the child gets really messy. But remember, young children need time to be kids.
~author unknown