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One Cent Day
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National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
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Tweed Day
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Don't Go To Work Unless It's Fun Day
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Tell-A-Lie Day
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Go For Broke Day
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Sorry Charlie Day
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No Housework Day
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All Is Ours Day
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Winston Churchill Day
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Name Yourself Day
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Golfers Day
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Eight-Track Tape Day
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Look Up At The Sky Day
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Blame Somebody Else Day
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National Pecan Day
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Rubber Eraser Day
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National Stress Awareness Day
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National Eggs Benedict Day
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National Cheeseball Day
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International Jugglers Day
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Garlic Day
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Look Alike Day
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Kindergarten Day
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National Jelly Bean Day
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Read Me Day
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World Laboratory Animal Day
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National Pigs In A Blanket Day
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National Zucchini Bread Day
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Richter Scale Day
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National Pretzel Day
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Tell A Story Day
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Great Poetry Reading Day
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Kiss-Your-Mate Day
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National Shrimp Scampi Day
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National Honesty Day
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On-Site Insights...
When Your Child Comes Home Messy
by Teresa on the Early Childhood Mailring
I recently have had run ins with several parents about messy clothes AND the question why isn't my child learning to write their name ...HELLO...I teach 2 and 3 year olds...SO...armed with my printer I happily put this on my door at school...
When Your Child Comes Home Messy
Red paint in the hair?
Blue paint on the jeans?
Sand in the shoes?
Peanut butter on the favorite shirt?
White socks that look brown?
Sleeves a little bit damp?
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 skills
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 the caregiver isn't paying enough attention to your child
THE CAREGIVER 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
Put smocks on the children
Was worried that you might be concerned
Try to remember your favorite activity when you were four years old. Was it outdoor play with water, mud, dress up clothes, with friends? Young children really learn when they are actively involved in play, not when someone is talking to them. There is a difference between "messy" and "lack of care." The caregiver made sure your child was fed, warm, took a nap, washed hands after toileting and before eating, and also planned messy fun things to do because that's how young children learn!
- Send your child in clothes that can get dirty!
- Keep extra old clothes at the play site for times when the child gets wet or really messy.
- If you need to take the child out, bring the dress up clothes and allow time to change.
- Keep calm.
- Remember in a few years, teenagers will use your shampoo, mirrors, and most of your towels to be clean.
- But young children need time to be kids.
- If you have concerns, talk to your child's caregiver about active play.
