Next time your children run out to splash around in the puddle, don’t stop them. Let your kids play in the mud and get dirty outside, even if you are a clean freak. Yes, this will create a mess and result in a lot of clean-up for the caregiver. Moreover, it might make a massive mess in your house and leave it a tad bit muddy, but this will help your little one become stronger physically and mentally. Here are some reasons why you should let your kids get dirty while playing outside and how outdoor playtime is essential for your child’s overall development.
Letting kids get dirty outside builds their immune system
The messier your kid’s outdoor playtime is, the better. Letting your kids get dirty while outside will help build their immune systems. Children playing in the mud get exposed to certain strains of bacteria and viruses that could be considered Mother Nature’s gifts, causing the body to develop its defense mechanism and immunity against them. Your little ones also get sunlight while outside, which helps their bodies produce Vitamin D for bone development and overall growth.
Outdoor playtime encourages creativity
When your child plays outside in the dirt with their friends, pets, or even by themselves, they get more creative. There is plenty of research to prove imaginative play is highly beneficial for children’s overall development, and outdoor playtime aids with this. Kids use their imagination to develop new ways to play with the mud.
They also think of ways to create things from mud, which could be your little one’s first introduction to pottery. If your kiddo has a knack for making things from mud, you can consider enrolling them in pottery classes once they are a little older. Overall, they use their imagination to spend hours playing in the mud.
Letting kids get dirty outside helps develop all five senses
When they play outside or get dirty, kids develop an awareness of their surroundings. From touching the different textures of soil, mud, and grass and tasting them to seeing their surroundings, smelling new flowers, hearing insects’ sounds, etc., they hone their five senses.
Not only do they develop their five senses, but they also develop their lungs as they breathe in the fresh air while out and about. They also build motor skills while digging a hole, filling a water bucket, etc.
Playtime outside makes the kids love the outdoors
Playing outside exposes them to many more events they would have missed out on if they played indoors, making most kids come to love the outdoors. They will be keen to know more about nature, sparking fascination with the trees, birds, animals, etc.
Moreover, when children play in the dirt, it also helps them relieve stress and anxiety, which helps with their emotional development. Little ones are also less dependent on screens to keep themselves busy or entertained when they engage in outdoor playtime.
Outdoor playtime helps them sleep better
Playing outdoors requires a lot of physical movement, like running, jumping, carrying things around, etc., so it’s natural for your kids to get tired easily. This leads to a quick and good night’s sleep, which means less screen time for your children, as they will be too exhausted to watch anything on their iPads.
So, mommies, next time your children get a little dirt on their feet, don’t scold them or stop them from playing outside. Instead, let your kids get dirty while outside. It’s perfectly alright! The messier they get with their playtime, the more fun they have. Also, if possible, join them in the fun to witness how happy they feel when their parents wholeheartedly support their outdoor play.
