02.04.16
Every parent knows that children throw themselves wholeheartedly into exploring the world around them without concern for the mess they create. And many successful career professionals attest that these creative and educational moments can lead to a child’s future occupational success. However, according to the second annual Swiffer Cleaning Index, while the majority of parents (72 percent) feel that letting kids make a mess helps encourage their creativity, nearly all (95 percent) have said “no” to their kids’ requests because of the mess it could make.
That’s why Swiffer is urging parents to start saying “yes!” to the mess and embrace these precious opportunities to learn and grow their children’s imagination, even when it means a sticky floor afterwards. Actress, entrepreneur and mom of two Sarah Michelle Gellar spearheaded the effort by hosting a “Yes to the Mess” event in New York City, which featured a bevy of untidy, but educational, activities that parents would usually say “no” to. From science projects to baking, local parents and their kids participated and delighted in the enriching, interactive and messy creation stations.
Alongside Gellar at the event were several successful professionals representing a variety of industries, including Chef and Founder of The Creative Kitchen and Kids Food Festival, Cricket Azima, Tough Mudder’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Jesse Bull and Robofun’s Founder and CEO Laura Allen. Each person shared their personal point of view on the positive benefits of mess-making.
“I believe that while kids are born with a natural instinct towards creativity – it is still a skill that parents need to continually foster. My two kids work on fine and gross motor skills, math, science, vocabulary and more through baking, and their resulting smiles light up my day,” said Gellar. “That’s why I don’t mind having to clean up the cake batter and crumbs on my floors afterwards. And with Swiffer, I can enjoy saying 'yes' more often because I am able to get a thorough clean in minutes while indulging my kids' sense of discovery and exploration. Not to mention I truly believe creativity is the road to invention.”
More info: Swiffer.com or facebook.com/Swiffer. Parents are invited to share their own experience with @Swiffer using #YesToTheMess.
That’s why Swiffer is urging parents to start saying “yes!” to the mess and embrace these precious opportunities to learn and grow their children’s imagination, even when it means a sticky floor afterwards. Actress, entrepreneur and mom of two Sarah Michelle Gellar spearheaded the effort by hosting a “Yes to the Mess” event in New York City, which featured a bevy of untidy, but educational, activities that parents would usually say “no” to. From science projects to baking, local parents and their kids participated and delighted in the enriching, interactive and messy creation stations.
Alongside Gellar at the event were several successful professionals representing a variety of industries, including Chef and Founder of The Creative Kitchen and Kids Food Festival, Cricket Azima, Tough Mudder’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Jesse Bull and Robofun’s Founder and CEO Laura Allen. Each person shared their personal point of view on the positive benefits of mess-making.
“I believe that while kids are born with a natural instinct towards creativity – it is still a skill that parents need to continually foster. My two kids work on fine and gross motor skills, math, science, vocabulary and more through baking, and their resulting smiles light up my day,” said Gellar. “That’s why I don’t mind having to clean up the cake batter and crumbs on my floors afterwards. And with Swiffer, I can enjoy saying 'yes' more often because I am able to get a thorough clean in minutes while indulging my kids' sense of discovery and exploration. Not to mention I truly believe creativity is the road to invention.”
More info: Swiffer.com or facebook.com/Swiffer. Parents are invited to share their own experience with @Swiffer using #YesToTheMess.