5 messy things that make perfect memories with your kids

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We know – what a mad thing to be writing – but I was remembering some of the slightly more bonkers things our kids do; and suddenly realised that an awful lot of them involve messiness and tidying up.

And I get cross with it.

Of course don’t get my wrong, there are many different kinds of mess when you have kids. For example, potty training has given us our fair share of wee and poo related mess.

Every parent has a poonami story to tell.

However, I have never really though about how important some of that mess is in helping our kids to make great memories. So next time you all have to take your carpet cleaning gear out and give them a stern talking to after that particular rite of toddler passage don’t forget what you’re actually making here….

Our best memories and play have come from the strangest of places…

1. Slime

Yep – the DREADED slime. We love it. We loathe it. We have spent many a moment wondering why we gave some to our kids as we scrub the floor repeatedly to remove it.

OR we might even be knee deep in it trying to make it, as there are some fabulous slime recipes out there…including this fabulously festive slime recipe from Imagination Tree.

Slime play is actually very good for the kids, so give yourself credit for picking a fabulous activity, whether you are making it, or its shop bought. There are loads of benefits of playing with slime including:

• Sensory development/play for older kids, because it really is important for kids to get messy and explore everything they can. And I know this is super annoying, but… 🤣
• Fine motor skills, it take patience to get your slime to do what you want it to, and that develops motor skills,
• Science, making it IS science and that is perfect for young and older kids. Measure it out, mix it together and have LOADS of fun, and
• Confidence, making it and playing with it, so it all works does wonders for self-confidence. Even if they don’t get it right first time.

2. Playdough

We love a bot of playdough here on KiddyCharts, and we even have some gorgeous playdough mats to encourage its use. Playdough is bound to make for great memories with your kids.

However – we have spent ages picking it out of the carpet, just like you. Though not before we have made a wonderful collection of weird and fabulous creatures, or eaten a gorgeous playdough dinner first though, of course.

The benefits of playdough are similar to slime – so yes, its annoying, but it IS worth it in the end.

There are so many amazing playdough based toys are well – so if your kids do like playing with it, then you will never be stuck for gifts again.

3. Sudocrem

Erm. Yep. Sorry. Can’t think of any benefits to playing with Sudocrem. It’s sticky, It’s messy, and it really isn’t that much fun to get out of anything, carpets included. Sudocream = great memories with your kids??

Last time we had to deal with it, there were barbie dolls, hair brushes, and a carpeted bathroom floor (! – don’t ask -!) involved.

It is brilliant as a barrier cream, but THAT IS WHY ITS HARD TO CLEAN OF ANYTHING.

Oops, didn’t mean to shout there.

If there is one thing I urge every parent to do is to make sure you know where your Sudocrem is at all time, otherwise…

Actually, there are benefits really – it IS fun messy play, and it takes stealth to pull it off.

Life skill, non?

So for Sudocrem – the memory is more to do with laughter after the chaos – but that’s still a lovely memory, even though it might not be what you (or indeed we) planned for….

4. Chocolate spread

We haven’t actually had to clear this up at all – I just like it, so included it so every parent reading this would have a reason to buy Nutella (other brands are available).

We have had to clear up custard though. It seems to be a rite of passage for every kid when they are weaning to get either custard or spaghetti bolognese on their faces.

Been there, done that – got the cute looking all over body bib.

5. Squashed everything

We have had squashed raisins, satsumas, sausage rolls, and loads of other rather lovely items from picnics we have taken in doors.

There really is nothing quite like an indoor picnic with the kids. And with the unreliability of the weather here in the UK, sometimes it really is the only way.

Even when the weather is good though, sometimes an indoor picnic is just nice still. So we’ve got loads of wonderful memories involving a picnic mat, some squashed cheerios, and fruit juice stains.

We love them all.

I think after that, it is worth remembering that for every stain on the carpet that we have to get off, there is a memory of what we have done with our kids.

And frankly, I cherish though memories an awful lot more than worrying about how long its taken me to get that stain off of any of my carpets….

What memories with your kids have you made with messy play and carpet related chaos? We would love to know.

If you are looking for a few ideas for activities for the kids, some involving mess and some more civilised, do sign up to our newsletter…

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As always it is lovely to see you here, and we hope you come back soon.

Helen

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