Why Playing In and Working with Dirt is Good for Kids

In a world that is terrified of germs, let’s teach our kids the power of loving nature’s microbes. What better way to do this than to play. Here is why playing in and working with dirt is good for them:

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As a country girl, I am no stranger to dirt. We live rurally and my kids are often dirty and muddy.

I won’t say I love it when the Outside comes Inside, but I do love it when my precious babies go outside and play play play. We have no screens (except our TV) so if they get bored of reading or LEGO… outside it is.

So, whether you have a big yard, a small back yard, or no yard and have to got to parks, here’s why playing outside in the dirt is great for kids.

Oh, and it’s great for us too. Hello, gardening!

It’s an Immunity Boost

Have you heard this old saying, “God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt?”

Honestly, I thought my friend made it up. That is, until I realized that people actually say this.

Nasty, disease causing germs are out there. Are they typically found in the dirt in our back yard…. no. In fact, some studies have been done on the affects of allowing kids to play (get messy) in dirt. Some say that dirt has immunity losing qualities.

“Experts refer to a “hygiene hypothesis” that says that as sanitation techniques became better and more accessible in our everyday lives, our general exposure to certain organisms that trained our immune system decreased.” source

Dirt Puts Kids in a Good Mood

Now, this may seem a bit out there. But watch how your kids feel alive when they’ve played outside. Actually, there’s something called grounding which refers to going barefoot outside. This is supposed to

In my experience, most kids adore playing in dirt… even the ones who don’t like to be dirty. I believe this is because dirt is cool and it smells earthy. It’s outside, which boots moral and reduces anxiety.

“Grounding appears to improve sleep, normalize the day–night cortisol rhythm, reduce pain, reduce stress, shift the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic toward parasympathetic activation, increase heart rate variability, speed wound healing, and reduce blood viscosity.” source

Fresh air, sunshine, and some earthy fun… dirt is what’s the solution for someone in a bad mood.

Not sure where to get started? Get some beach sand shovels, a sifter, and some old pots and pans. That’s really all you need (unless you want to add in the water hose).

Working with Dirt May Increase Academic/Developmental Growth

There are several reasons why playing with dirt may increase academic and developmental growth. Mainly it’s because when you allow your children “free play” they really start to learn.

A lot of research has gone into the study of children expressing themselves though free play. This type of play is essential for growth. It does this by…

• boosting imaginations
• building confidence
• growing teamwork skills
• helping kids find order in the world around them
• developing communication skills
• developing motor skills
• strengthening critical thinking skills

But free play not be the only reason why dirt may increase academic and developmental growth.

Some people say that the simple act of being outside, in nature, experiencing the world in its raw form has many developmental benefits all in itself.

Therapeutic Play: How To Do It At Home For Your Kids

It Can Help Build Strength

Dirt is heavy. Moving dirt can be work. So, this is a great thing for kids to do. I’m a believer that hard work is good for kids.

Kids in today’s generation have a much different outlook on work that kids in generations past. Work to them may seem like hours at a desk. I’m not saying that everyone should go into a manual labor job.

What I am saying is that our bodies are made to grow in strength and endurance. When we don’t allow our kids to test the boundaries of these capabilities, we are hindering them.

So…. fill that bucket with wet dirt and haul it across the yard, baby.

Dirt Engages Kids in a Healthy Sensory Experience

I don’t want to sound like a country song here, but there is something sweet about digging your toes down in a cool pile of dirt.

Playing in dirt is like having the best sensory bin without limits. That you don’t have to clean up.

You know what I’m talking about. A sensory bin is a tub that you fill with sensory toys for toddlers (water cups, beans, cookie cutters, spoons, rocks, or whatever).

You never really know what you’re going to find in dirt. I remember once as I kid I found a toy car that I was confident was an antique. It was a big deal to me. I thought I was a millionaire.

Kids may find…

• weeds
• rocks
• roots
• stones
• bugs
• wood
• arrowheads (common in our area)

With each new find their imaginations will soar. They will get to hold, feel, and experience something new.

Imaginations Soar when Playing with Dirt

Oh, my! I remember some great dirt experiments when I was a kid. We really got into it…

I can look back at pictures of childhood with such fond memories. It wasn’t all artificial and digital and indoors and scripted and predictable. I had to use my imagination.

When kids have free, uninhibited play in dirt, their imaginations soar.

They will want to show you every mud creations. My kids will do all kinds of things outside and in the mud.

• soups
• dinosaur habitats
• car race tracks
• homes
• mud pits (using the hose or a rain puddle)
• and on and on

Playing in Dirt May Decrease Your Kids Risk of Allergies & Asthma

Over the last decade, a lot of research has gone into microbes (tiny little creatures living inside you and everything else). Some are nasty little boogers that you want to avoid. On the other hand, some are necessary for your body in many ways.

Microorganisms are necessary for proper digestion, infection prevention, and allergy defense. They help the body’s digestive track, lungs, and heart to work properly.

My point is this, not all “germs” are created equal.

Yes… we want our children to avoid the nasty germs that make us sick. However, playing outside in dirt is a lot different than running your hand over the toilet seat in a restaurant bathroom. It just isn’t the same.

The germs found in your outside dirt can really benefit your little’s ones body.

Dirt exposes your kids to the microbes in your area- the ones that will work with your body that may prevent allergies and even help with asthma.

Fun Ways to Play in Dirt

• Build mud bricks with ice trays
• Dig for worms (real or plastic ones)
• Have a mud pie making contest
• Build a dirt volcano
• Paint with mud (on canvas with brush or hand)
• Build a mud fairy house
• Create muddy sculptures with sticks, pebbles, and grass
• Pretend play- cook with mud (pots and pans)
• Practice with measuring cups
• Make mud cupcakes (decorate with flowers)
• Dig