We're Playing In The Mud

[rmc20021]

I have set up tubs for the kids to play in mud this afternoon after snack. I bought fill dirt from the store and until we use it, it is covered.

I have no doubt one dcm will not like the idea of her son playing in the mud (it's not like they're going to be walking, sitting in it, or getting it all over their clothes...just mostly their hands and MAYBE whatever they happen to accidentally flop out onto themselves)

I really, really do not want to exclude him because I know his mom doesn't allow him to get dirty and he LOVES getting his hands messy...what would you do???

[Rockgirl]

I'd let him do it! I tell parents at the interview that we do lots of messy play, so they expect it.

[Blackcat31]

If you are planning on playing in the mud on a regular basis why not talk with the mom before you do it so she can make sure her child is in clothes that she won't mind being ruined?

Do you just think this mom will be upset or do you know she will? Has she said something that leads you to believe she will be upset?

[sharlan]

I have set up tubs for the kids to play in mud this afternoon after snack. I bought fill dirt from the store and until we use it, it is covered.

I have no doubt one dcm will not like the idea of her son playing in the mud (it's not like they're going to be walking, sitting in it, or getting it all over their clothes...just mostly their hands and MAYBE whatever they happen to accidentally flop out onto themselves)

I really, really do not want to exclude him because I know his mom doesn't allow him to get dirty and he LOVES getting his hands messy...what would you do???

I have a stack of cheap white undershirts that I put on the kids if we're going to get really wet or muddy. I TRY not to play passive/aggressive games with the parents/kids/clothes.

[Meyou]

I dress the kids in my kid's old tshirts for messy play inside. They cover them neck to ankle and keep most of the mess off. That might work for your DCB and his mom!

Outside I just let them go. But I agree with blackcat that it might be easier to discuss it with mom and have a solution for her concerns. Either a coverup shirt or play clothes would work. I let my littles get filthy but I also advertise our love of dirt and discuss it in the interview. I tell them that their clothes WILL get stains so most of them buy 4 or 5 DC outfits that they wash over and over rather than deal with ruined nice clothes.

[MNMommy2]

I tell my dcp when it gets nice out they need to send clothes that can get messy. I don't want to discourage the fun, messy play!!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

If it's messy play inside, I put a smock on them. Do you have anything like this that you could use (others suggested a big t-shirt)?

[Lyss]

Just wondering how it went. Did he get to play and stay clean or was mom getting a dirty boy back?

[rmc20021]

Unfortunately the mosquito's were so bad this afternoon we weren't able to stay outside for long.

The one dcb played in it but never really got his hands into it. The others had a few minutes of bliss before we had to go inside.

[melilley]

I know you are already inside, but I would have answered to let him play! I have it in my handbook that children may get messy and to send them in clothes that they can get dirty. I do put shirts over their shirts sometimes if it is a really messy activity though.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of playing in the dirt with my best friends and making mud pies!