Water play

What do you do about outdoor water play and children getting wet?

Do you give them plastic aprons to wear? Do you always change them into dry clothes to go home?

If we've had the paddling pool out children tend to have sun suits on, but if it's playing at the water table or running round the garden with water, they just wear their normal clothes. If they get very wet I change them when we come indoors, but if they're just a bit damp I don't bother or just strip off the wettest bits. On a hot day like to day they usually dry off before we come indoors anyway!

I've had one mum today not very happy that her daughter's t-shirt was a bit damp and asking why she didn't wear an apron. She was far from soaking wet - just a little bit splashed!

I feel bad now about sending children home wet and it's got me wondering if I should change them into dry clothes before going home.

Oh Mouse, it's so gutting when things like that happen, especially when you have been giving them a lovely day.

I do the same as you. They would melt in a waterproof apron.

If they are just a bit damp then it's a judgement call really. If they were sopping, or if it was mid winter of course you would have changed them.

Don't worry about it, maybe mum had just had a bad day. x

LOL!

Mine go home wet, dirty, clean, dry ... any which way! it depends when parents turn up and what we've been doing!

I once had a mum turn up just as we got home from the beach .... she lifted her sandy and slightly damp child from the car and said ''you've had a good day!''

usually i try to change them into dry clothes to go home if they are dripping! either their own spares ( i ask for each child to bring spares ... even my schoolies in the school holidays! )

even in winter, we get wet and muddy and then, when we come in, we have dry clothes and i try to dry off coats the best i can ( benefit of an AGA! )

my current bug bear is a mum who has decided that as her 2 yr old has 'only' been walking 11 months ( yes, 11 months ), they are not old/big/steady enough to wear wellies and they can wear their trainers to get wet and muddy ... except the child gets soaking wet feet ... and if we're out for a few hours, they get really cold too! the other week i changed childs socks and shoes twice and sent them home with 3 pairs of trashed shoes and bare feet! I have tried saying child needs wellies ... but am letting it go for now, but come September it will have to be wellies/waterproof shoes as otherwise child can't come and play as not suitably attired! :rolleyes::rolleyes: makes me laugh, as mum sends a fully waterproof suit and gloves and hat !!!

When it sunny and warm and the children get wet water playing I change them into dry clothes at the end of play if they haven’t dried in the sun already.
If a child has been walking 11 months they need wellies! Luckily I provide wellies so parents don’t usually have a say in wearing them or not! Over the years parents have been grateful that I’ve put children in wellies and not sent them home in wet or muddy shoes. Also I have several all in one playsuits so the children’s coats don’t get muddy/ wet when outside in all weathers. Never had a complaint.

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Originally Posted by Dragonfly

When it sunny and warm and the children get wet water playing I change them into dry clothes at the end of play if they haven’t dried in the sun already.
If a child has been walking 11 months they need wellies! Luckily I provide wellies so parents don’t usually have a say in wearing them or not! Over the years parents have been grateful that I’ve put children in wellies and not sent them home in wet or muddy shoes. Also I have several all in one playsuits so the children’s coats don’t get muddy/ wet when outside in all weathers. Never had a complaint.

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I quite agree dragonfly. And if I didn't have child's older sibling here.. they would have been in my wellies! I ask parents to send wellies and waterproofs and they do, but i have spares available!
In September, I will be putting said child in wellies!

Yes do loocyloo. Is the parent a first time parent by the way? I’m thinking yes.

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Originally Posted by Dragonfly

Yes do loocyloo. Is the parent a first time parent by the way? I’m thinking yes.

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Yes ... but this is the second child :D:laughing::rolleyes: ... you won't believe how much they've improved!!! Although eldest did wear wellies from pretty much walking! Parents just read so much 'advice' and take it all on board ... despite my suggesting alternatives! Hey ho ... it's only one day a week!!!