Sibling Sensory Play: Lemon and Rosemary Tea Water Play

IYKYK about my last 48 hours, you’ll understand why I was in the red in the energy department (along with solo parenting for two weeks), why I wanted to send the girls outside whenever the sun is out (Perth autumn winning), and why I needed something that smelled delightful. If not, I’ll spare you the details of the hardest, most trying 24 hours of motherhood.

Being on the other side and having some space to play at home today, the girls were dying for something in their table. With my limited brain powers, I eyed the lemons on our tree and the rosemary hedge in our neighbors’ yard. Threw in a few trusty tools and empty bottles and they were off!

While Marin isn’t old enough to engage in the same table as the girls and while I don’t really prioritize setting up individualized sensory bins for a barely eight-month old, it was so easy to throw a sprig of rosemary and a lemon onto a baking pan with a little water for her own play. I get asked all the time about sibling sensory play, so I wanted to share my cardinal rule in regards to safety with sibling sensory play.

Prepare your sensory table with your youngest in mind. It’s only as safe as it is for your youngest babe.

Choking hazards? Glass? Scissors? Hard-to-use tools? If you’re inviting all siblings to be involved, you need to design your bin with your youngest in mind. It’s going to be virtually impossible to divide things, and honestly you don’t need that extra stress! Could you bring out different tools or extension materials for your older ones while your younger babe naps? Totally!

So when little Marin stands on her tippy toes to get into the big girl sensory table for this activity, I’m going to have to remove those breakable glasses or save them for when she’s sleeping!