The Importance of Playing in the Dirt

If it's dirt, it's got less bad bug potential than technology

In this nose wiping, hand sanitising, hair washing, clothes bleaching, stay inside world we have created for ourselves and our children, it's hard to imagine how most kids get a chance to meet an outdoor bug and develop an immune system.

A love of the outdoors helps to develop a love of exercise - running, climbing, digging and playing. And of course there is the increasing evidence that eating a spot of dirt isn't bad for  your kids either - even as it is hard to imagine how little Madeleine could possibly prefer dirt pie to your excellent broccoli.   

The problems with the way too many of us now live are well documented - for health, happiness and fitness. Children raised in ultra clean environments simply don't always develop the levels of immunity they need as they don't come into contact with the worms, bacteria or viruses a kid does when allowed to play outside.

Increasing levels of allergies, Vitamin D deficiencies, lower resistance to disease, childhood obesity, reduced mental and physical development and narrower life perspectives are well documented.

Another incredibly important reason to push your kids outside, into gardens, sand pits, chasing bugs and other hands on dirt activities is to understand where things come from and how they grow.

And watch out that you don't fall for all that puerile marketing of anti bacterial products. All a household needs is decent soap and water.

Image: Warren Goldswain/Shutterstock

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