More time spent at home, routines upended, I see my kids enjoying the freedom to play but also PROCESSING through play all the changes.
Whatever your space, open-ended play and room to create and make messes allows for kids to process the ever changing world around them.
Two out of 3 of my kids daily (especially now in quarantine!) raid the recycling bin to make dog-houses out of tissues boxes and palaces for shopkins toys. They have their own ideas, and are best left to their own devices to execute their vision, whereas formal “kits” seems to require more parental oversight.
This is an example of how letting my kids be usually makes room for the best creations and imaginative play. We can simplify our expectations of ourselves AND make room for the important work of play for our children when we clear space and step back.
Setting up a Space
Whether you have a dedicated playroom, a cabinet in the kitchen, a shelf in a closet, or a drawer, dedicating an accessible spot for supplies and creating is really all you need.
Most of our messy play happens at the kitchen table, but supplies are kept in a cabinet.
Lately, we’ve kept a pile of safe recycling stacked in the playroom for building and inventing, too.
I keep newspapers on hand to cover the table when we paint or make a mess.
Supplies
The possibilities are endless! We keep basics like glue, tape, scissors and crayons/markers. Jars, cans, or plastic tubs are great for coraling supplies. Other supply ideas are….
Yarn
Googly eyes
Pom poms
Pipe Cleaners
Stickers
Popsicle Sticks
Recycling: berry baskets, yogurt tubs, takeout containers, egg cartons…
Plan for their Creations
This part is key. You have to communicate how MUCH is acceptable to keep. What I have realized is that the PROCESS is the reason for this type of creating more than the finished product (also true for adults!) If you have a dedicated playroom, keeping sweet handmade inventions is great - we “display” or “play” with our creations until they fall apart or we need to make room. I tell my kids these are “temporary” toys which means they are not meant to be kept forever. This prepares them from the start that they can always make something new when it’s time to let something old go.