Backwoods Mama
  • Home
  • Raising Outdoor Kids
    • Cooking & Crafting

      How to Make Birdseed Ornaments for Wild…

      November 27, 2020

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      Beautiful Spring Picture Books for Children

      March 28, 2020

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      Playing in Nature Protects Our Children During…

      March 17, 2020

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      50+ Spring Nature Activities for Kids of…

      March 3, 2020

      Crafting

      How to Make a Willow Nature Crown…

      July 2, 2019

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      9 Special Ways to Celebrate Summer Solstice…

      June 1, 2019

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      A Beginner’s Guide to Pond Dipping with…

      May 20, 2019

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      How Pokémon Can Get Kids Bird Watching

      April 30, 2019

      Nevada, USA

      Rock Climbing and Hiking Around Las Vegas…

      April 24, 2019

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      Signs of Spring Nature Walk for Kids…

      April 5, 2019

  • Spring Outside 2020
  • My Nature Adventure Journal
  • Printables
  • Canadian Adventures
    • All Alberta British Columbia Lower Mainland Northern Interior Okanagan
      British Columbia

      Hiking and Camping with Kids at Kokanee…

      July 30, 2018

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      December 1, 2017

      British Columbia

      Family-Friendly Adventures on BC’s Sunshine Coast

      November 8, 2017

      British Columbia

      A National Park Reserve in the South…

      November 3, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      November 1, 2017

      Okanagan

      Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake…

      October 10, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      September 28, 2017

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      August 30, 2017

      Alberta

      Rock Climbing with Kids in Jasper National…

      August 8, 2017

      Alberta

      Family Adventures in Jasper National Park: 10…

      July 26, 2017

      Alberta

      Shaw’s Point Resort

      August 6, 2015

      Alberta

      Apiaries in Northern Alberta

      August 5, 2015

      Alberta

      St. Isidore, Alberta

      August 4, 2015

      Alberta

      The Hoodoos

      July 29, 2015

      Alberta

      Royal Tyrrell Museum

      July 28, 2015

      Alberta

      Bow Valley Campground

      July 27, 2015

      British Columbia

      Hiking and Camping with Kids at Kokanee…

      July 30, 2018

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      December 1, 2017

      British Columbia

      Family-Friendly Adventures on BC’s Sunshine Coast

      November 8, 2017

      British Columbia

      A National Park Reserve in the South…

      November 3, 2017

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      November 1, 2017

      British Columbia

      Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake…

      October 10, 2017

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      September 28, 2017

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      August 30, 2017

      Lower Mainland

      Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in…

      March 7, 2017

      Lower Mainland

      Outdoor Family Adventures in Metro Vancouver

      August 2, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Biking the Stanley Park Seawall

      July 27, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Exploring Deep Cove and Quarry Rock Trail

      July 25, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Visiting Queen Elizabeth Park

      July 22, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Biking Through Pacific Spirit Regional Park

      July 20, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Exploring Lynn Canyon Park

      July 18, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      1001 Steps to the Beach

      April 19, 2014

      Northern Interior

      Life at Ness Lake

      September 1, 2016

      Northern Interior

      McMillan Creek Regional Park

      October 8, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve

      October 6, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Eskers Provincial Park

      October 5, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Autumn in Northern British Columbia

      September 28, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Wildflowers in Northern British Columbia

      June 6, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Visiting Barkerville Historic Town

      June 2, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Travelling North

      June 19, 2013

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      December 1, 2017

      Okanagan

      A National Park Reserve in the South…

      November 3, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      November 1, 2017

      Okanagan

      Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake…

      October 10, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      September 28, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      August 30, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      August 1, 2017

      Okanagan

      5 Tips for Visiting Kangaroo Creek Farm…

      July 18, 2017

  • Okanagan Trail Map
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Partner with Me
  • Home
  • Raising Outdoor Kids
    • Cooking & Crafting

      How to Make Birdseed Ornaments for Wild…

      November 27, 2020

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      Beautiful Spring Picture Books for Children

      March 28, 2020

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      Playing in Nature Protects Our Children During…

      March 17, 2020

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      50+ Spring Nature Activities for Kids of…

      March 3, 2020

      Crafting

      How to Make a Willow Nature Crown…

      July 2, 2019

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      9 Special Ways to Celebrate Summer Solstice…

      June 1, 2019

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      A Beginner’s Guide to Pond Dipping with…

      May 20, 2019

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      How Pokémon Can Get Kids Bird Watching

      April 30, 2019

      Nevada, USA

      Rock Climbing and Hiking Around Las Vegas…

      April 24, 2019

      Raising Outdoor Kids

      Signs of Spring Nature Walk for Kids…

      April 5, 2019

  • Spring Outside 2020
  • My Nature Adventure Journal
  • Printables
  • Canadian Adventures
    • All Alberta British Columbia Lower Mainland Northern Interior Okanagan
      British Columbia

      Hiking and Camping with Kids at Kokanee…

      July 30, 2018

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      December 1, 2017

      British Columbia

      Family-Friendly Adventures on BC’s Sunshine Coast

      November 8, 2017

      British Columbia

      A National Park Reserve in the South…

      November 3, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      November 1, 2017

      Okanagan

      Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake…

      October 10, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      September 28, 2017

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      August 30, 2017

      Alberta

      Rock Climbing with Kids in Jasper National…

      August 8, 2017

      Alberta

      Family Adventures in Jasper National Park: 10…

      July 26, 2017

      Alberta

      Shaw’s Point Resort

      August 6, 2015

      Alberta

      Apiaries in Northern Alberta

      August 5, 2015

      Alberta

      St. Isidore, Alberta

      August 4, 2015

      Alberta

      The Hoodoos

      July 29, 2015

      Alberta

      Royal Tyrrell Museum

      July 28, 2015

      Alberta

      Bow Valley Campground

      July 27, 2015

      British Columbia

      Hiking and Camping with Kids at Kokanee…

      July 30, 2018

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      December 1, 2017

      British Columbia

      Family-Friendly Adventures on BC’s Sunshine Coast

      November 8, 2017

      British Columbia

      A National Park Reserve in the South…

      November 3, 2017

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      November 1, 2017

      British Columbia

      Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake…

      October 10, 2017

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      September 28, 2017

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      August 30, 2017

      Lower Mainland

      Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in…

      March 7, 2017

      Lower Mainland

      Outdoor Family Adventures in Metro Vancouver

      August 2, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Biking the Stanley Park Seawall

      July 27, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Exploring Deep Cove and Quarry Rock Trail

      July 25, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Visiting Queen Elizabeth Park

      July 22, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Biking Through Pacific Spirit Regional Park

      July 20, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      Exploring Lynn Canyon Park

      July 18, 2016

      Lower Mainland

      1001 Steps to the Beach

      April 19, 2014

      Northern Interior

      Life at Ness Lake

      September 1, 2016

      Northern Interior

      McMillan Creek Regional Park

      October 8, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve

      October 6, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Eskers Provincial Park

      October 5, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Autumn in Northern British Columbia

      September 28, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Wildflowers in Northern British Columbia

      June 6, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Visiting Barkerville Historic Town

      June 2, 2015

      Northern Interior

      Travelling North

      June 19, 2013

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      December 1, 2017

      Okanagan

      A National Park Reserve in the South…

      November 3, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      November 1, 2017

      Okanagan

      Hiking Spion Kop with Kids in Lake…

      October 10, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      September 28, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      August 30, 2017

      Okanagan

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

      August 1, 2017

      Okanagan

      5 Tips for Visiting Kangaroo Creek Farm…

      July 18, 2017

  • Okanagan Trail Map
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Partner with Me

Backwoods Mama

Raising Outdoor Kids

Let Your Kids Get Dirty!

February 14, 2018

When my firstborn came into the world I was paranoid about dirt and germs. I was the mom that sterilized everything: soothers, teethers, toys, board books… You name it and I probably sterilized it. When my baby started to move around keeping him and his environment clean became rather challenging.  I worried when I discovered him playing in the toilet and panicked when he took an interest in smearing his poop all over everything. He was constantly drawn to puddles, sand, dirt and mud, often shoving handfuls of dirt into his mouth the moment I turned around. It stressed me out and made me anxious. I wish I would have known then what I know now!

Let Your Kids Get Dirty

Children should be outside often and should be allowed to be barefoot and to get dirty, and handwashing does not necessarily need to immediately follow these activities. – Let Them Eat Dirt: How Microbes Can Make Your Child Healthier

Kids need to get dirty to be both healthy and happy. This might seem counterintuitive in our culture, but more and more research is showing this to be true. It’s important to understand, however, that not all dirt is created equal. Playing outside in the mud, grass and dirt is very different than playing in an indoor space. Here’s a helpful tip from the book Let Them Eat Dirt:

When children are out walking or playing in a green space […] the risk of getting infected with microbes that carry human diseases decreases drastically. Allow your kids to touch anything they want (except animal waste), including dirt, mud, trees, plants, insects, etc. […] Let them stay dirty for as long as the play session lasts or until it’s time to eat.1

Five great reasons kids need to get dirty!

1. Dirty Kids Have Healthier Immune Systems

Dirt is filled with all sorts of healthy microbes, and when kids are exposed to them it strengthens their immune systems which helps to prevent chronic conditions like asthma, allergies, diabetes and obesity.

My oldest child, the one I tried so hard to keep clean and sanitized as a baby, ended up developing both asthma and allergies. While there could be a genetic link to his conditions, I can’t help but wonder my obsession with cleanliness contributed, especially since my two younger children don’t have asthma or allergies (I was more relaxed about dirt with my younger two).

2. Dirty Kids Are Happier

When kids spend time outside they are less stressed, anxious and depressed. In fact, within minutes of being outside around nature kids start feeling relaxed.2

Whenever I hear giggles and boisterous laughs coming from our yard I can be fairly confident that mud and dirt are involved. My kids love digging holes and covering themselves head to toe in mud.

3. Dirty Kids Are More Active

Outdoor play, with all it’s dirt and mud, keeps kids moving. It’s been shown that kids run, climb and jump outside much more than they do inside, even compared to indoor sports.3 All this movement helps kids maintain a healthier body weight which prevent chronic health issues like diabetes.

4. Dirty Kids Have Healthier Sensory Systems

As kids spend more and more time indoors, sensory processing issues are sky rocketing. Many children are developing over or undersensitive senses and while genetics is a factor so is the lack of free outdoor play. When kids go outside all of their senses are stimulated. There’s so much for them to see, touch, smell and hear outdoors which helps their brain grow and make connections.4 Letting kids walk barefoot through the woods, scoop up mud with their hands and roll down a grassy hill are not only fun but helps them develop a healthy sensory system.

5. Dirty Kids Are Smarter

Kids that play outside and get dirty are better at solving problems and are more creative too. Time outside not only improves children’s memory, concentration and attention span it also helps them develop emotional and social intelligence.5 6

My kids love building sand castles and as they years go by their castles are becoming more elaborate. Even building a simple sand castle takes a lot of planning, creativity and problem solving.

Encourage Your Kids To Get Dirty Outdoors

Most kids don’t need much encouragement to get dirty, but if you and your child need a bit of help here are fifteen fun activities to try.

  1. Bring a pail and shovel along to the park, beach or trail.
  2. Build castles in the sand, dirt and mud.
  3. Set up an outdoor mud kitchen or construction site.
  4. Plant seeds in a garden or in pots.
  5. Look for and touch bugs, frogs and worms.
  6. Touch grass, leaves, bark and (non-poisonous) plants.
  7. Go barefoot on grass, sand and dirt.
  8. Splash in puddles.
  9. Collect rocks, leaves, pine cones, shells and sticks.
  10. Roll in the dirt and grass.
  11. Pet and play with domestic animals.
  12. Make seed balls (bombs) and disperse them.
  13. Paint with mud.
  14. Make magic flower potions.
  15. Make a mud pit in the ground or in a shallow container.

Download the FREE PDF – Let Your Kids Get Dirty: 15 Fun Activities.

When should kids wash their hands?

Teaching kids to wash their hands is a very important because it helps them avoid getting sick. Get your kids to wash their hands with plain soap and water:

  • Before eating.
  • After using the toilet.
  • After being around someone that is sick.
  • If your child is sick.
  • After touching garbage, spoiled food or animal poop.
  • After being in a place where there’s a lot of people (malls, indoor play centre, bus etc).

Kids do not need to wash their hands after playing outside! (unless they’re about to eat).

These tips were taken from Let Them Eat Dirt Q&A. 

Suggested Reading

Let Them Eat Dirt: How Microbes Can Make Your Child Healthier by  Dr. B. Brett Finlay OC PhD and Dr. Marie-Claire Arrieta PhD. 

Come and join our community of parents, grandparents and educators as we raise outdoor kids.

References

  1. Let Them Eat Dirt: How Microbes Can Make Your Child Healthier by Dr. B. Brett Finlay OC PhD and Dr. Marie-Claire Arrieta PhD. 
  2. The Power of Outdoor Play and Play in Natural Environments.
  3. Assessment of physical activity levels of 3rd and 4th grade children using pedometers during physical education class.
  4. THE UNSAFE CHILD: Less Outdoor Play is Causing More Harm than Good.
  5. The Power of Outdoor Play and Play in Natural Environments.
  6. Discovering Nature: The Benefits of Teaching Outside of the Classroom.

Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon Affiliates links and I may earn a small commission from your purchases made through them. 

Let Your Kids Get Dirty! was last modified: February 14th, 2018 by Josée
DirtDirty KidsLet Your Kids Get DirtyMudMud ActivitiesMud and Dirt ActivitiesOutdoor Play
0 comment
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
previous post
Stop Telling Kids to “Be Careful” and What To Say Instead
next post
How to Start a Family Nature Club

Related Articles

50+ Spring Nature Activities for Kids of...

March 3, 2020

7 Winter Carnival Activities for Kids

January 10, 2018

5 Reasons Kids Should Play Outside in...

December 13, 2018

When Autumn Makes You Sad: 5 Proven...

October 24, 2017

20 Autumn Outdoor Adventures for Families

September 21, 2017

Beautiful Spring Picture Books for Children

March 28, 2020

Keeping Kids Warm in the Winter with...

December 14, 2017

Becoming Citizen Scientists for Bioblitz Canada 150

June 12, 2017

Come Join Me for Outdoor Mom Academy

August 31, 2017

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Recipe Rating




Sign up for the Backwoods Mama Newsletter!

My Nature Adventure Journal

Okanagan Trail Map

© Backwoods Mama 2009-2020. All Rights Reserved.


Back To Top