Years ago, most children would have had experience of helping their family to keep things clean. As children love playing with water and are interested in being alongside an adult, it is worth planning a range of washing activities.
BENEFITS
For children, activities involving washing can have many benefits.
Emotional development Having a little responsibility and being alongside an adult can support children’s emotional development. Children can feel important if they are involved in the adult world in some way and this in turn can help shape their self-esteem. Being alongside an adult, especially a key person, can also support children’s attachment.
Hand preference Most washing activities will require an active and a stabilising hand. The active hand will be responsible for the washing, but the other hand may hold the bowl or the item that is being washed. Activities involving this type of two-handed movement can strengthen a child’s hand preference.
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