Dear Lizzie,
My child loves messy, sensory play and it keeps him busy on these long winter days, but I hate the mess! Can you recommend a messy/not-so-messy activity to keep us both happy?
Dear reader,
Your child is on to something! Sensory play is particularly appealing in the winter, as we miss the natural sensory experiences often found outdoors in the summer. It makes a whole lot of sense that tactile play would be keeping your little one engaged.
As a parent who spent many years at home with little ones, I know messy play doesn’t always feel manageable. If the mess is too much, it’s not good for anyone. But don’t worry, I have a clean(ish) solution in mind for you.
Have you ever tried playing with soap foam? Soap foam offers a sensory activity that is both engaging for children and manageable for the grown-ups. It’s incredibly simple to make, easy to clean and offers endless possibilities for creative, engaging sensory play.
How to make soap foam:
- Combine 2/3 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of tear-free soap.
- Use a hand mixer to whip the mixture on high until stiff peaks form, which should take about two minutes.
- Optionally, add a drop of food coloring for an extra fun twist.
You can set this up in the kitchen sink or a large bin on the floor. I like to set it up inside a bin on a big towel or dropcloth. The towel provides a physical boundary for your child. Tell them, “Foam stays in the bin and on the towel only. Pretend the floor is lava and the towel is your island.”
This way, the play remains contained and cleanup is much easier for you. You can even set them up in the bathtub!
I love soap foam for children of all ages. Baby can play with a small amount on a high chair tray, while your toddler explores with scoopers, whisks or other kitchen tools. Throw in a few favorite toys, like cars, dinosaurs or waterproof dolls.
Remember, the key to successful sensory play is finding activities that are enjoyable for your child while being manageable for you. Do yourself a favor and whip up a batch of soap foam. The five minutes you invest in making it will set you up for a long play session.
Happy playing,
Lizzie
