Making memories should be a priority, especially since these moments go by so quickly. Before we know it, our little ones won't anymore be so little, and the mess will somehow seem easier to manage too!
And those memories of fun and laughter will stay with us long after the mess is cleared, definitely worth the temporary chaos!
That's right. Messy play and fun learning sure do make for great memories and it's such a joy to see their excitement firsthand. As long as everyone's having fun, the cleaning can wait indeed!
I'm not sure if you meant it that way, but I got the impression that you were agreeing with the notion of delayed cleaning after messy play because that's what the children would want. Just remember, it's okay for us to have different preferences as adults, including wanting to clean up asap haha!
I think many of us adults could learn from our toddlers' carefree ways! Their focus on the present moment is so contrasting from how us parents often worry about the next day or week. Their delight in such simple pleasures is a good reminder to appreciate the here and now and not sweat the small stuff!
You're right; I'm not a huge fan of prolonged Messysville myself. While it's fun to indulge the children's excitement sometimes, the cleaning enthusiast in me craves order and often reaches for the closest broom! It's finding that balance between having fun and maintaining sanity, isn't it? But hey, if anyone has tips on keeping mess at bay during toddler activities, I'd love to hear them!
I think containing the mess is an art in itself! Having a designated space with easy-clean floors or a splash mat might help, so we don't feel too overwhelmed by the prospect of clean-up later. Also, providing aprons or art smocks for the little ones could minimize the amount of cleaning needed afterwards - a quick rinse in the sink seems like a small price to pay for all that fun!
Yeah, the confidence boost from feeling independent sure helps with their overall development. Setting up an accessible space encourages them to explore their creativity without frustration and gives a sense of pride in their abilities.
