The Set Up

Gather a pile of doll clothes and a couple of bowls of water. I love tinting the water with a drop or two of liquid watercolour and adding a little shaving foam. It softens the texture and gives tiny hands something extra to explore. Hang a washing line at child height using two metal stands, a length of cord and pegs within easy reach.

It always (pleasantly) surprises parents how absorbed kids become! The dipping, wringing, squeezing, hanging, rehanging. It’s endlessly satisfying and feels a little like play with purpose. Plus real-life skills and fine motor practice sneak in as added bonuses.