Increasing comfort around mess
Overview
Help children to feel more comfortable around mess by preparing the environment and your child’s level of readiness to explore different sensations. Think about whether they will be more comfortable sitting, kneeling, standing or moving around. We recommend starting with something they are familiar with and linking this to a new sensation. Use comfortable protective clothing such as well-washed overshirts or bigger t-shirts from home and keep a spare set of clothing handy. It is best if you can teach children how to wipe their own hands and keep cleaning materials nearby.
Playing outdoors can provide lots of opportunities to experience different textures and being outside can help some children engage in a way that isn’t possible indoors.
One step at a time
You could start by keeping a damp cloth nearby so children can clean their hands immediately when they feel uncomfortable. It's helpful to make hand-washing movements a regular and fun part of their routine. Practice these movements together to help them get used to cleaning their hands in a relaxed manner.
You could then gradually increase the time between when children use the damp cloth to clean their hands. Begin with small increments and give them praises for tolerating the mess a bit longer each time.
Slowly introduce new textures, trying one or two new ones at a time and keep play short and fun. Incorporate their interests whenever possible. This graded approach helps children become more comfortable and confident with messy play.
To desensitise their hands, introduce them to handling different textures and break activities into smaller, manageable parts. This gradual approach helps children become more comfortable and confident with messy play.
Watch again
Jump straight to what parents and early years professionals have said about introducing food and drinks.
