I wasn’t sure how Avery would react to sand. I had a couple of ideas: maybe he will just pick it up and make it rain, maybe he’ll try to eat it, he could even stare at it trying to figure it out. Avery saw the sand and wanted to make it rain! 🌧
Children learn about the world by using their senses. Playing in the sand is a great way to help your child develop arm and hand motor skills which is part of their physical development. Their eye and hand coordination will also improve as they play in sand and with sand toys. 🤪
By burying their bodies in the sand, children are engaging their proprioceprive, or the sense of the body relative to space. When they dig, pour, sift and scoop up sand, they are developing strength. 💪🏾 There’s also the benefit of math and science skills. Sand and water play introduces scientific concepts such as sinking, floating, and changes to state such as dry to wet. 🔬
After taking Avery to the beach, I heard from many girl Mommas that their babes didn’t enjoy the beach so much because they didn’t like the sand touching their feet. Boys and Girls are so different and I’m not sure if this is common in boys but it is very normal in girls so don’t panic. Here are my top favorite things to do with babes who love and don’t love sand on the beach.
Sand Lovers
- Splashing in the water. If they love sand, let them walk into the waves near the shoreline.
- Building sand castles. Bring a few tools to let them dig and play in the sand. Try burying their legs or whatever your comfortable with in the sand, this allows your babe to understand relativity to space.
- Bring a beach ball and toss it to them or roll it back and forth.
- Run freely on the beach. As long as they aren’t in any danger, allow them to walk around on the beach with their sand shoes on. Allow them to explore their senses and discover all that the beach has to offer.
Sand Avoiders
- Splashing in the water. If they have an aversion to sand, carry them out into the water and let them splash their hands and kick their feet in the ocean.
- Sit them on a blanket or your lap and let them dig their hands in the sand.
- While on a blanket or towel, allow them to play with a beach ball or other fun games.
Whether you’re at the beach, the lake, or just a sandbox in your backyard, Sand play is a great way for your child to develop arm and hand motor skills, feel different textures, and explore the concepts of full and empty. 👶🏾
Just The Kings 