Messy Kids

It seems to me lately with my toddler that I spend a lot of time cleaning up or preventing messes.  I know from reading I did when my son was little that messy play is good for children.

In an effort to remain in control I am always on the lookout for creative , messy activities that I can contain.  I find cooking and baking seem to engage all of my child’s senses and is also manageable.

But the cooking play doesn’t have to be in the kitchen!  I set up a ‘kitchen’ area outdoors on sunny days. She can spill juice and fling flour all over and it’s no big deal. if the weather is bad, I set her up in the bathtub.  She loves it!  And learns a lot too.

This is one of our favorite play dough recipes. It smells great but is not sweet enough for her to want to eat.

Chocolate Play Dough

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup salt

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 cup boiling water

Combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and cream of tartar. Add cooking oil and boiling water. Stir quickly and mix well. Cook over low heat until dough forms a ball. When cool, knead with hands. Refrigerate and store in an airtight container.

For other play dough recipes, check out:

http://www.playdoughrecipe.com/

Article By Nuria Almeida

Picture By  Joelk75

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