Mom shows toddler throwing mud on floor to wipe with mop—childcare expert reveals why it’s actually amazing

During a child’s formative years, there is a lot they learn through actions and observation. The learning process may be unusual or messy but it helps shape up their personality. Dan Wuori (@DanWuori), a child expert in early education, revealed that even a seemingly messy and chaotic act can be part of a major learning process for a child. He came across a video of a toddler throwing mud on the floor and wiping the same with a mop, shared by his mom, Colette Watters (@cjoanw). The mom captioned the video, “Thanks for the help, baby.” While it may seem extra work to some parents, Wuori noted that it is insightful and wonderful that the child is engaged in such an act. 

He reposted the video and wrote, “How could you even be mad about something so clever?” Wuori then shifted his perspective and mentioned that when a child is given something like a mop, he will find a way to try and use it. In the case of Watters’ son, he had learned that a mop is used to wipe and was trying to find something to wipe. When he didn’t, he chose to put mud from a nearby flower pot onto the floor and use the mop for its ideal function—wiping. “Given a toy mop, this toddler creates a scenario in which it can be put to appropriate use. When you put yourself in his shoes, it’s a perfectly reasonable line of thinking,” the expert shared. 

He explained that the kid's act came from his “past experience and understanding of the object’s function,” and is part of his development. Wuori also praised the mom for not immediately reprimanding the child for his actions and for appreciating what he had done right in this instance. The expert also shared a noteworthy message to parents. “This isn’t a suggestion that parents adopt an ‘anything goes’ approach to raising toddlers but it is a reminder that when you adopt the right mindset, informed by a true understanding of your child’s development and attuned to the wonder of childhood… you’re likely to look at ‘misbehavior’ with very different eyes.” 

Wuori’s insight and viewpoint struck a chord with parents online. Many toddler parents noted that such chaos is common during a child's formative years and it gets easier for parents to view it as a development. @Mariajosehldg shared, “My daughter would help me clean the floor, she would get a little rag and wipe the floor down as I was cleaning the rest.” @Chikad44472146 added, “A problem solver looking for a problem to solve with that fancy instrument. I love it! I think it’s great that Mom recorded it for all to enjoy. You need a sense of humor in your parenting toolbox.”

@TerryJohnsonMA said, “It’s so important to remember that little ones can make decisions based on only their own experiences and to ‘take a breath’ before reacting.” @Elvis_Bob noted, “Wants to be helpful—creates a scenario in which to be helpful. It's the desire to be helpful that should be praised, though redirected.” @Learneditmyself remarked, “This post really resonated with me! When we look at the big picture of learning and growth, it makes the mess worthwhile! Learning is messy and that’s okay!”

You can follow Collette Watters (@cjoanw) for more wholesome content on parenting.