Kids love, love, LOVE sticky stuff. They love to put their hands in it, they love to put their toes in it, sometimes they even love to throw it away. They really come to life when there are colorful sticky things around.

But sadly, children’s enjoyment is often equaled, or even surpassed, by their parents’ abject terror of drool. The new curtains! The cream carpet! The Persian rug!

Which is a shame, because finger painting has been shown to benefit children’s development in important ways:

stimulates the senses

Finger painting is an activity that engages almost all of the senses. Bright, bold colors to excite the eyes, the satisfying squid-like feel of the paints between the fingers, the pleasant splashing sound as little hands dip into the pots.

Stimulating children’s senses is essential for the healthy development of their young brains. Experiencing different textures and colors helps inspire creativity, and using your fingers to draw pictures is a great way to develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Help children express themselves

Finger painting has been around for centuries, but was established in its modern form in the 1930s by Ruth Faison Shaw, the “First Lady of Finger Painting.” She was one of the first to recognize its therapeutic potential and was hailed as “a pioneer in progressive education.”

At a time when many thought children should be seen and not heard, she saw that finger painting was an important way for children to communicate their unspoken words and feelings. The instinctive nature of finger painting, she said, “helps the imagination and brings a delight in creating things unconsciously, things one may not even have seen or dreamed of before.”

Here’s why it doesn’t need to be messy

So, you know the benefits of finger painting for kids, but there is still one thing holding you back. The mess. But I promise, it really doesn’t need to be messy.

Perhaps the most obvious reason not is because (weather permitting) it can be done outside. Children love the combination of being outdoors and doing something creative. And they won’t be able to do much damage out there. A child’s wipe-clean apron will cover their clothing, and you can lay down an old tablecloth or sheet to protect the surface they’re painting on.

But the main reason finger painting doesn’t have to be complicated is that many finger paints are completely washable. All you need is a cloth and some soapy water and the paint wipes clean. Which means that no matter how hard they try, your children will never be able to cause any harm. No stains, no need to worry.

But don’t take my word for it. Sometimes you just need to try these things out for yourself. Finger painting is one of the easiest and cheapest children’s activities. It’s a lot of fun, it helps children learn and grow, and it’s something you can enjoy with them. So no more fear: roll up your sleeves (and theirs) and give it a try!