3 year old and playdough

[lovemydior]

Rhiana is getting playdough from my grandparents for christmas. We thought that now that she is 3 she would be old enough to get it. Well just yesterday my parents took her to church and let her play in the kids church. When they picked her up the worker had told my mom that Rhiana had been eating playdough. I don't know how much or any other info. So now I am wondering about the playdough being such a good idea. My dh said she should still get the playdough, we will just have to be right beside her when she is playing with it, to make sure it doesn't go in her mouth. Has any one else had a child that ate playdough? What did you do? Is she maybe still to young for playdough?

Crystal

[Cheeseburger]

playdough is non toxic so it is not a huge deal if she eats it. Both my kids do play with playdough. I am less than concerned if they eat it (which they generally don't as they are past that stage at 3.5 and 1.5 years), but what bugs me is the huge mess it makes and how there are little bits of it everywhere when they are done.

[krazee4jc]

I think it's a great gift 3 is a fine age. I agree, it's just messy but the kids love it

[breezykc2]

Three is a great age for playdough...homemade or store bought. My boys started playing at 2 years old....I think it is the same with ANYTHING, the first time you sit and parent them while they play...tell them not to put it in their mouth, etc.....if they're three, they can comprehend this. They just need to learn the first time like eveything else.

[Jessy]

Payton plays with playdough, he's not quite 2. I'm sure he's eaten bits here and there and, like Cheese said, it is non-toxic.

[jwright]

Playdough has entertained my kids for an hour (if not longer) sometimes. My "rule" is that it's done at the table and stays there - in the kitchen, not on carpet. I have old plastic/vinyl placemats for them to put the playdough on while they play with it so that helps with clean up. If we're away from home (at grandparents) I'll use a piece of wax paper for them to put their playdough on.

Definitely in the beginning sit there with them and let them know not to eat it.

Janell