(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – Your children are home from school for the foreseeable future with more time for creative projects.

The Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition is sharing daily tips and ideas with the community amid COVID-19 stay at home mandates. 

With more time for creative projects, you know what that means: a big old mess! Is it worth it? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), play is not only worthwhile but also necessary. In 2018, the AAP even recommended pediatricians to write ‘prescription for play’ for the first two years of a child’s life. Throughout childhood, play helps children:

• Express and cope with feelings
• Engage in problem-solving
• Celebrate their uniqueness

Diana Smith, a Prevention Specialist, mother of four, and grandmother of nine, advised parents to “embrace the mess and look at the memories made.”

“Our situation has a bright side,” Smith explained. “On a normal day, parents are at work and kids are at school. We’re making memories and connection during this crisis that will last a lifetime.”

So, parents, stay connected with your children through messy, creative play in the coming weeks. To get you started here are a few activities you can try: