MUD!

For as long as I can remember the boys have loved to play in dirt and MUD! 

I may say no for a while, but I do eventually give in and let them go at it.  This week I did just that.  It had rained the day before so this corner of the yard had the perfect puddle.  And it soon turned into a FUN place to play.

It is just dirt and water folks.  It can be washed off and soon everything is back to a happy clean place. I don't fuss over the fact that some of this dirt and mud will come into my house.  I am positive it will!!!  And did!

The fact is boys will be boys and boys LOVE to play in dirt!!!  At least mine do.  And girls too!!!

There are even health benefits to allowing your children to play in the dirt/mud? 

Here are five ways that dirt can benefit your children:

1. Did you know that studies have shown dirt to be good for your brain? Apparently, there are types of bacteria that are naturally found in soil which activate the neurons that produce serotonin – a key chemical in many bodily functions, as well as a natural anti-depressant. In other words, dirt can actually help make you feel happy. Now that is one HAPPY boy!

2. Dirt is also great for the immune system, especially in children. Research has shown that early exposure to the naturally occurring microbes in soil will help build stronger, more disease-resistant kiddos.

In our germaphobic culture where we have entire aisles of cleaning products at the grocery store, some children are being raised in “overhygienic” conditions. Without enough exposure to different bacteria and microbes, it is thought that the immune system doesn’t learn to recognize its own cells, and this could be a reason for higher rates of asthma, eczema, and other diseases.

3. In our technologically savvy generation, kids just aren’t getting enough time to play outside, and that has now been linked to attention disorders, depression (yes, in children), and obesity.

4. Children who play outside laugh more, which means they’re happy! It also means their blood pressure and stress levels are lower. (Did YOU know that those are two physical benefits of laughter? We could all probably stand to laugh a little more!)

5. Kids who play outside grow in their character development: they become more adventurous, more self-motivated, and they are better able to understand and assess risk.

Just give in and let them get dirty!!!!!!

**All my findings and facts for this dirty post were found here ..........you didn't honestly think I researched all that myself did you?**