How do you manage messy play when you have sensory issues?

So life is getting back to normal and it's time to start encouraging our lockdown babies to socialise and experience things outside of the home. Enter, the dreaded parent/toddler playgroups. Already daunting enough as an alternative mom, but throw in some neurodivergent traits that have been exaserbated by lockdown and it can be pure anxiety in a church hall shaped can. Having said that, I really don't want River to grow up with my issues if it can be helped, so off we go. 

Of course I decide to opt for maximum difficulty and take her to a messy play group, knowing full well I hate lots of the sensations that are going to be involved, but I don't want River to miss out. There is paint, glue, playdough, soapy water, slimey pasta, gritty rice and couscous to stab you in the feet and knees like tiny shards of glass. So much fun to be had. All in seperate organised play areas... for all of 2seconds before the anarchists mix everything together *twitch, twitch*. 

Long story short, turns out with all the options available and me being really careful not to sway her, River much prefers the less messy play options, and spends her time collecting and organising things to her hearts content.

This gives me very mixed emotions. On the one hand, hooray she does not want to paint my face with a combination of every goo in the building. On the other hand....shit...she's like me. But hey, at least she is happy, and maybe she will want to get messy next week. 

We shall see. 

Oh, and just in case you think she never gets messy, this is a standard meal time 🤣