The weather here has been chilly lately. The kids around town (including ours) have been sledding, engaged in snowball fights and of course, snowmen (or snowwomen?) have been built. However, as the snow melts and makes a big mess, there are fewer outdoor activities that can be taken advantage of.

The result? Cabin fever.

At this point, many children become frustrated by feeling 'stuck' indoors. It's highly likely in this situation (especially if your children are naturally imaginative) that they will find new ways to self-entertain. Today was one of those days for my children. Our 3-year-old decided it would be fun to close the bedroom door and fill the one-year-old's bassinet with darn near every toy and book in sight.

She shut the door. We heard that happen. "Oh, no. What's going to happen?" We decided to wait and see. "Maybe they have figured out a way to play, peacefully, without arguing. Let's give them a chance to play this out."

A few minutes later we heard them laughing and laughing, having such a lovely time. "Oh, good! They are playing together so well! Let's leave them alone for a while."

The result was as follows:

Toys, books and games...all piled into the bassinet. Our daughter was really proud of her accomplishment and our son thought it was a hilarious game.

Many of you know, by now, that I have a little problem with messes. I find that a clean home is most likely to keep me circling that "sanity landing." When things like this happen, my heart begins to race and the tears well up in my eyes. The mess! Look at the mess! Everything is out of order now!

I have to pull back and remind myself: free play is important. My children need to explore and make messes and enjoy their environment. Even if that means I'll have to pick things up later on (my husband always helps me, though; I think he's afraid I'll have a nervous breakdown over it).

Scientific America explains Play in the following manner:

• Childhood play is crucial for social, emotional and cognitive ­development.
• Imaginative and rambunctious “free play,” as opposed to games or structured activities, is the most essential type.
• Kids and animals that do not play when they are young may grow into anxious, socially maladjusted adults.

The study goes on to say:

“Free play,” as scientists call it, is critical for becoming socially adept, coping with stress and building cognitive skills such as problem solving."

My daughter filled the bassinet so full that the baby was nearly able to climb out on his own (see below). That activity alone brought him much joy. He was thrilled that he was figuring out how to escape all by himself!

The result? He was problem solving. Just as the study implies.

So there you have it. Messes very well may have a purpose. Free Play certainly has a goal.

Join me, won't you? Let's be sure our kids are getting plenty of time to play, engage with objects and books, make messes, problem solve and de-stress. In the end we may just end up with well adjusted, calm, problem solving, happy grown-ups.

And that is certainly worth the clean-up.

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Kid Perks and Personal Child Stories. She has a background in early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.