A small group of scientists in Germany conducted a study on this very topic and ultimately validated that a messy environment can indeed be beneficial for the development of children’s brains.
To put it simply, there is a certain type of messiness that can enhance an individual’s productivity.
1. Children’s Messy Desks
You might not have noticed, but the desks of many famous scientists or inventors tend to be on the messier side. Take, for instance, the late Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple. His desk was notoriously messy, except for a visible screen, the rest seemed surrounded by papers.
A research group in the United States investigated this phenomenon and concluded that messiness has certain characteristics that can stimulate creative ideas in people.
Therefore, parents should understand the difference between “messy” and “dirty.” Sometimes, it’s okay to let your child’s desk be a little untidy. This “messiness” can foster their imagination and creativity during study time.

When toys are scattered on the floor, children will feel the urge to play with them. (Illustrative image)
2. Children’s Messy Toys
Children have their own ideas when they play. Parents should understand that playing is one of the best ways to stimulate a child’s brain potential. The more they play, the faster their brains will develop.
When toys are scattered on the floor, children will feel the urge to play with them. However, once parents tidy up the toys, the children might lose interest in playing with them again.
This is because they fear parental criticism, so this ‘cleanliness’ imposed by parents can actually hinder their children’s playful mood and, consequently, their potential.
3. Children’s Messy Bedrooms
When visiting relatives or friends and noticing their children’s immaculately clean bedrooms, some parents might feel a twinge of jealousy. But, in reality, they should feel relieved because a messy bedroom can also indicate a child’s vibrant imagination.
If your child’s room is untidy but not dirty, it means their imagination is thriving, and they are decorating their space according to their unique vision. However, adults might perceive this behavior as mischievous.
Parents need to understand that messiness is not the same as dirtiness. Many parents confuse the two, but in truth, their children are exploring their creativity. Sometimes, parents might view this as causing ‘chaos’ in the family.
In the end, parental restraint can stifle a child’s brainpower. Messiness is just a part of a child’s exploration and growth, and it’s their thoughts and imagination that make the space feel messy, not dirty.
Scientific experiments have confirmed that the messier certain areas of a home are, the better a child’s brain develops. Parents should learn to differentiate and not let their own misconceptions hinder their children’s development.
So, instead of feeling annoyed by the mess, embrace it as a sign of your child’s growing brainpower.
3 Golden Signs Your Baby is Brilliantly Smart
Observing and recognizing early signs of intelligence in infants has always been a top priority for parents. This introduction paragraph will unveil three distinct patterns of expression that can be observed immediately after a baby is born, indicating superior potential for intellectual development.