Smock

[Lil'DinoEggs]

we are a very messy bunch. In my contract, I state very clearly that I am not responsible for personal items, clothes need to be comfortable to move around in, sleeves should roll up and we will get messy. I put my own smocks or t shirts on the kids depending on the activity. IOW, only if it is wicked messy.

New family is doing ok. We are still working on a few kinks. Today, I went find something in her bag and I found a brand new smock. I know she is getting messy with food and activities. It is the full body, elastic wrist kind. They haven't said anything, but I am waiting for it.

If a parent asked you to use a smock, would you? why?

At first I thought hey it is one kid, if parents are willing to bring it and wash it then who cares. BUT then I would be worried about anything that got on her or would I still do it every kid brought one in.

[daycarediva]

I supply my own smocks, and wash them myself. We get messy, too. I ENCOURAGE it. We use them for all painting, shaving cream or sensory play (or especially messy lunches).

[craftymissbeth]

OT - where do you find the smocks with elastic wrists? I've found them on Discount School Supply, but wanted to find a pattern or tutorial to make my own. The only ones I can find are sleeveless.

OP - Yes, I would use the smock, but it would stay at the daycare.

[itlw8]

some kids need it for eating. so yes if the child did not fuss I would use it.

I always use smocks for paint and messy stuff. but not the outside dirt or markers and such

[sharlan]

Yes, I would definitely use the smock.

[Blackcat31]

OT - where do you find the smocks with elastic wrists? I've found them on Discount School Supply, but wanted to find a pattern or tutorial to make my own. The only ones I can find are sleeveless.

OP - Yes, I would use the smock, but it would stay at the daycare.

Here is a tutorial for making a long sleeved one:

http://www.to-sew-with-love.com/2012/12/simple-art-smock-tutorial.html

[BrooklynM]

I got long sleeve smocks at ikea!

[nanglgrl]

I got long sleeve smocks at ikea!

Yep, I think that's where I got my long sleeve elastic wristed ones but they do run small.

[craftymissbeth]

Here is a tutorial for making a long sleeved one:

http://www.to-sew-with-love.com/2012...-tutorial.html

Thank you!

[Jack Sprat]

If they asked I would use it, if they didn't I wouldn't.

We are also messy. I let parents know this and its in my handbook. I try my best to wash clothes during nap time if they are really bad. All my parents are very understanding of this.

I like the long sleeve smocks for painting in the winter etc. If we paint in the summer its in paint shirts or no shirts.

[melonieb]

I just use some of my old work t-shirts. Might look like dresses on all my preschoolers, but at least the kids are clean

[KSDC]

Finding the smock in the bag? That seems kind of passive-aggressive to me. I mean, if the parents have a problem with mess, then I would want them to talk to me. That is the part of this that would put me on edge.

As for using smocks, I have a bunch of mens flannel button up shirts that I got for free at a thrift store. I cut the sleeves so that they come about to the elbow on my munchkins. Then they wear them backwards so I can button the top button at the back of the neck. They have worked great for almost 10 years. These are only for messy crafts and tactile stuff.

[Stepping]

I bought long sleeved smocks at ikea too. The smaller ones are great, lovely fabric and easy to move around in.

They have a new line of larger long sleeved smocks but the fabric is very stiff and breaks easily so I'm not loving them as much

[Rachel]

Yup, I have the ikea green smocks too. I actually want to buy a couple of more. I have 3 from my kids, and now I have 4 painting. The smallest one gets a long sleeved bib I've had for ages.

[CraftyMom]

I like the long sleeve smocks for painting in the winter etc. If we paint in the summer its in paint shirts or no shirts.

I have considered no shirts, I wasn't sure how parents would feel. My dck's right now don't have the concept of modesty. Anyone else do no shirts?

I've tried long sleeve smocks but the sleeves drag through the paint and make more mess, also the kids keep asking me to push the sleeves up

I use sleeveless smocks and roll their sleeves all the way up or take off the top shirt if they have a short sleeve under it.

I would really like some water proof smocks for the water table though