Extra hand for parents

Parents may be struggling to keep their young children at home, but one business has plans in place to help them get through it.

Jennifer Smith started Little Messy Learners in Rockingham and Mandurah and ran classes for about seven months, before closing to abide by social-distancing regulations.

She is now offering free activities, recipes and live kids dancing sessions on her Facebook page in an effort to continue teaching children through messy play, with the added bonus of helping out a few parents.

She said when she had first realised the COVID-19 outbreak would affect Australia, she went through many emotions.

“Closing my business was really hard; having only been running for seven months, my business is still in it's very early stages,” she said.

“I also miss the parents and children who attend a lot, with the parents and carers who attend on a weekly basis, it becomes so much more than just messy play, it feels more like a community.”

Ms Smith said a lot of the activities she posted on Facebook were inspired by activities her own children enjoyed.

“I am always trying to find new ways to develop what I offer in my classes and normally I try it at home first,” she said.

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who is continuing to support me while my business is on hold.

“ I will continue to post activities and fun videos for everyone to enjoy and I hope I inspire parents and carers to have a go at messy play at home with their children.”