When Your Kid Comes Home From School Messy

Red Paint in the hair?
Blue paint on the jeans?
Sand in the shoes?
Peanut butter on your favorite shirt?
White socks look brown?
Sleeves or shirts a little bit damp?

Well, take heart because……………..

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

Your child probably didn't………..
Feel lonely
Become bored
Do repetitive tasks that are too babyish
Do worksheet tasks 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 that your child's teacher isn't really paying attention to your child-

The Teacher probably……………………
Was aware of your child's needs and interests
Spent time planning a challenging activity for the children
Encouraged the children to try new things
Was worried that you might be concerned

But try to remember, if you will…………
What your favorite activity was when you were four years old? Was it outdoor play with water, mud, dress-up clothes? Young children really only learn when they are actively involved in play, not when someone is talking to them. There is a big difference between "Messy" and "lack of care".

Keep in mind, that most certainly the teacher made sure that your child was fed, warm, took a nap, washed hands after toileting, and before eating--and planned messy, fun things to do, because she knows, that's how young children learn!

Send your child to school in clothes that can get dirty. Keep extra clothes at school for when your child gets wet or really messy. If you need to take your child out somewhere after school, bring your "good" clothes and allow time to change when you pick up. 

And finally…..remain calm, remembering that in a few years, teen-agers will use shampoo, mirrors and all of the clean towels--but for now, we’ll just give them time to be kids!

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