Try THIS ⬇️

If you're triggered by messy play, you're not alone. For many of us, chaos and disorder doesn't feel good in our own nervous system. Sometimes it's just who we are. Sometimes it's been perpetuated by experiences and messages we had as children ourselves. If you were ever punished for getting dirty, stopped from touching things, made to tidy up, told to keep your clothes clean, scalded for exploring new things - then this may have impacted your willingness to get messy now.

Let's BREAK THE CYCLE.

1. FIND YOUR WHY.
Why are you embracing messy play now? Because you know it's great for your child's development in so many ways. Because getting messy is part of play and play is their only job. Remind yourself of this why when you start to feel triggered. Say "this is worth it".

2. THINK LOGICALLY.
You can choose activities that are easily swept, vacuumed or scooped up. The mess isn't forever, it's just for now.

3. PLAN AHEAD.
Lots of things can minimise mess, like using a messy mat, play tray, having a warm tub of water and a towel ready to wash off afterwards. Bring a change of clothes and shoes on adventures. Remember: there's no such thing as "good clothes" for kids - all clothes should be played in and shouldn't hold kids back.

4. CHOOSE YOUR SPACE.
Rooms like kitchens and bathrooms are designed to get messy and be easier to clean. You could eldo activities like painting, water play or slime in the bathroom so that you're not worrying about your carpet. If the house feels too hard right now - get out in nature together in your old clothes and get dirty together in mud, soil and water.

5. BREATHE.
Show your little one that you're unphased and that you're proud of their exploration. Normalise getting messy so that they too can break the cycle for the next generation. Give yourself credit for giving this a go in the name of learning and development. Go easy on yourself - you don't have to be messy all day everyday!

I'm SO PROUD of you for trying. Share this with a friend who doesn't like getting messy.

You've got this.

*featured: Messy Mat from zazi.co.nz
Flisat Play table from ikea

Watch the full reel here