Let’s be honest—kids are messy. Sticky fingers, scattered toys, glitter explosions, and mysterious smudges on every surface. It’s not a flaw; it’s a feature of childhood. Mess means creativity, exploration, and growth.

The reason I chose this topic was that I read Proverbs 14:4…

But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

Where no oxen are, the trough is clean.

It made me chuckle.  ‘You think oxen are messy?’ I thought to myself.  ‘You should try working with kids!’

The Proverb advises the reader that if you want work done, you must be prepared for a mess.  As Kid’s Ministry leaders and volunteers, we walk the line between embracing the beautiful mess and maintaining some semblance of order. Here’s how we can do both—with grace, patience, and a few clever tricks.

Accepting the Mess as Part of the Journey

Before we dive into tips, let’s shift perspective:

• Mess is a sign of life. A tidy room might look nice, but a messy one tells stories of play, imagination, and learning.
• Perfection isn’t the goal. Our homes and classrooms aren’t museums; they’re living spaces filled with growing kids.
• Grace over guilt. If the mess gets out of hand, don’t beat yourself up. We can reset.

Tips to Keep the Mess Manageable

Here are some practical strategies that help keep things under control without squashing the joy:

1. Create Kid-Friendly Zones

Designate specific areas for messy play—like a craft table, a play mat, or a corner for building blocks. This helps contain the chaos and makes clean-up easier.

2. Use Baskets and Bins

Was there ever a time in history when there were so many container options and organisational styles?  Storage doesn’t have to be fancy. A few labelled baskets or bins can work wonders. Try:

• “Art Supplies”
• “Building Blocks”
• “Dress-Ups”
• “Tidy Up Time” bin for random bits that need sorting later

3. Make Cleanup a Game

Turn tidying into a challenge or race:

• “Can you pick up all the red toys before the timer goes off?”
• “Let’s see who can fill their basket first!”

Music helps too—play a fun song and dance your way through the mess.

4. Teach One-Minute Resets

Encourage short, regular tidy-ups throughout the day. Just one minute of focused effort can make a big difference.

5. Model and Celebrate Effort

Kids learn by watching. If they see you tidying with a cheerful attitude, they’re more likely to join in. Celebrate their efforts, not just the results:

• “Wow, you put all the crayons away! That’s teamwork!”

6. Rotate Toys

Too many options can overwhelm kids—and adults. Keep some toys tucked away and rotate them weekly. It keeps play fresh and reduces clutter.

7. End the Day with a Reset

Before bedtime or the end of a class, have a simple routine:

• “Let’s put our things back where they belong so tomorrow we’re ready to play again!”

Mess is part of the ministry of raising and ministering to children. It’s where memories are made, lessons are learned, and love is lived out. So while we do our best to keep things tidy, let’s not forget to laugh at the glitter trail, smile at the muddy footprints, and thank God for the little lives that fill our spaces with joy.

Because one day, the mess will be gone—and we’ll miss it.

Here are some free lessons to download:

Wash the Dishes!  Jesus confronts the Pharisees.  Dina the Dishwasher visits to teach the Memory Verse.  There’s a cup stacking game and party cups to make and fill with treats.

Click here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Wash-the-Dishes.pdf

Whiter Than White!  The Transfiguration of Jesus.  Mrs Sudso is a laundress who owns and operates the ‘Rinse Right Laundromat’.  Peg the Memory Verse to a clothesline in the right order.  Play a game of towel toss it and do some bubble painting.

Click here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Whiter-Than-White.pdf

Dusty!  Jesus washes the Disciples’ feet.   Mavis the cleaner tells the story.  Use cardboard footprints to follow the Memory Verse, play a game of Funky Feet and then do some footprint painting. 

Click here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dusty.pdf

Life House 3:  Clean House!  Ollie learns to let Jesus into every room of his life.  Children learn about sanctification.  Use household cleaning items to play Minute to Win It Games, and make a Sponge Water Toy.

Click here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Life-House-3.pdf

Pour Out Your Heart:  The story of Hannah.  A lesson using water play and plastic bottle puppets.  Make a tipping teapot or truck for craft. 

Click here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Pour-Out-Your-Heart.pdf

Handy Dandy Day – a Preschool lesson about the Good Samaritan using a glove puppet that loves to clean!  Create a handprint banner as children arrive.  Make a hand stick puppet to take home using the template provided. 

Click here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Handy-Dandy-Day.pdf