Here in Wisconsin we are in what some folks call “First Spring”, meaning that the birds are migrating back, the snow has melted, and mud is here! We can’t be fooled into thinking the long winter is over, however, because this is just “First Spring” and we are sure to get walloped with another winter storm before spring is here for good. In fact, the forecast is calling for six to ten inches of snow and high winds in just a few days! In the meantime, we are enjoying the sunshine and stomping in puddles.
Child playing in the mud, covered from head to toe in mud while wearing a rain suit and boots.
Mud play is an opportunity for kids to let their guard down and just get messy. It allows them to have a variety of sensorial experiences, exciting some sensory areas that enjoy stimulation while challenging others to “be ok” with the experience and calm overly anxious nerves. In other words, it gives an opportunity for sensory systems to grow and regulate. In addition, mud play exposes to children to all the “good stuff” that we find in soil and may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience!
Mud play can be intimidating to some adults, but with some proper planning and a positive mindset, it can be a walk in the park! Here are some tips and tricks to a successful day of mud play:
Consider a “mud suit” that can get muddy and wet, washed and hung to dry later. The one in the picture above is from OakiWear. I have no affiliation with this company, but truly believe they make great products that are durable and dependable for all of our outdoor adventures. When our guy was done in the mud, we’d simply hose off the suit and hang it to dry. Or, we’d leave it outside and once the mud was dry we could shake it off to remove most of the dried up mud! It was the same suit he used for rainy days too! Totally waterproof, comfortable, and durable.
Keep a large plastic bag in your car for wet and muddy clothes. One of the large IKEA totes is a perfect bag. This bag is a great way to haul your gear, wet or dry! After a day of mud play you can take out all of your clean and dry supplies and use your bag to haul your muddy stuff home. Then just rinse the bag, dry, and repeat! Much less mess on your car seats!
In that plastic bag, keep a change of clean clothes in a dry bag/diaper bag, including new socks and undies. You might want to consider an extra pair of shoes too, in case you need to run errands after a trip to the park or a day at forest school.
Keep a package of wet wipes or a spray bottle with wipe solution and a bag of dry wipes handy! These are great for wiping off muddy faces and hands to keep your car a bit cleaner!
Consider a few “mud kitchen” items that can be kept in the car for unexpected mud adventures. This tip is completely optional, but can be handy when an unexpected rain shower threatens to shorten your day at the park. Perhaps an old muffin tin, some spoons and cups, and a plastic pitcher would fit nicely in your mud kit!
Child spreads mud on an arm like they would sunscreen.
So this spring (whether it be “First Spring” or true spring) don’t be afraid to get a little mud on your face! Experience the joy that comes with getting a little dirty, having fun, and “bathing” in all that Mother Nature has to offer. We’d love to hear stories of your adventures with your “muddy buddies”! Share them with us her or on our social media page.
“Let the children be free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and when the grass in the meadows is wet with dew, let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet; let them rest peacefully when a tree invites them to sleep beneath its shade; let them shout and laugh when the sun wakes them.”
~Dr. Maria Montessori (The Discovery of the Child)