Why Toddlers Make Messes

Whether they're unrolling toilet paper or splattering food on the walls, little kids explore their world one disaster at a time. Learn how to control the chaos.

By Megan Mattes

Kaysh Shinn

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Maximum Mayhem in Minimum Time

Trying to keep your house neat when you have a toddler can seem like a lost cause: The minute you put away a toy or mop up a spill, another magically appears. Your child's messiness can get so bad, in fact, you might think she's purposely trying to drive you crazy. But 1-year-olds are simply discovering the world the only way they know how: by delving into their surroundings with gusto -- and that produces a lot of cleanup for Mom and Dad. Combine this curiosity with the desire to be independent (and a lack of fully developed manual skills), and you can count on lots of mishaps. While messy play is beneficial, it doesn't mean you should let your kid run wild. Check out four common toddler disasters, and learn how to set limits without stifling her development.

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