WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES HOME MESSY
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?
YOUR CHILD 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 a repetitive task that is 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 interest
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 your children learn!
So send your child in clothes that can get dirty! Keep extra clothes at the site for the times when the child gets really messy. But remember, your child needs time to be a kid.
~ Author Unknown~
