Parents do their best to provide an ideal atmosphere for their children to grow up in. This has led to most parents turning over-zealous in their attempts to shield their kids from any germs. New research, however, shows that an overly sanitized environment is doing more harm than good to kids. Read on to learn how allowing your children to play in the dirt will help their health.In today’s world, where a lot of importance is placed on the importance of good hygiene, frazzled parents attempt to ensure that their children live, breathe and play in a sanitized environment only. Most parents are of the opinion that if their kids play in the dirt, they will definitely get sick due to exposure to some germs or infections. However, new research is showing that while
good hygiene is important, an overly sanitized environment does more harm to kids than good.
Unbelievable but true - mud is healthy for your developing child! Not only will your child love to play in the mud and get messy, he will also get exposed to a healthy dose of sunshine and Vitamin D, and will be at lower risk of obesity, depression and attention deficit hyper-activity disorder while boosting his developing immune system to better fight future diseases and infections.
Reasons you should allow your child to play in the mud occasionally
Playing in the dirt can benefit the body.
Children who come home after playing in mud are less likely to develop allergies even when they grow older. The reason is that their developing immune system gets exposed to varieties of bacteria as compared to other kids who are not allowed to play in mud and dirt. Mother Nature builds children capable of absorbing germs in the environment. So, let your child be a child and let him build his immunological army. So, it is terribly important that you let kids play in dirt.
Playing in the dirt can benefit the brain.
New research suggests that children who play in the dirt are exposed to a bacterium which accelerates learning and brightens the mood. This bacterium, which is found in the soil, is also said to have impact on depression and even on lung cancer.
Playing in the dirt can benefit skin.
There are germs found in soil that are actually good for children as they help combat inflammation of the skin when one gets injured.
Playing in dirt can help fight allergies and asthma.
Children who are exposed to and play in the dirt at a young age, automatically build a higher immunity to fight against different types of allergies and asthma in their later lives as compared to those who lived a dirt-free childhood.
This is one of the biggest advantages that children have because they get exposed to sunlight and this gives them one of the rare vitamins to enter into their body and system. Recent studies have shown that children spend a major part of their life playing indoors rather than outside in mud and sunlight. With the company of technology they are exposed to greater risk to obesity, depression and have vitamin D deficiency also. It is important to encourage kids to play outdoors.
Playing in dirt is a natural part of childhood.
In addition to physical benefits, dirt and mud simply makes a child happier. This helps decrease stress and anxiety in children. Sometimes it seems that children know what is good for them and so even if parents stop them from getting messy, they just love to do that. This is going to help them stay fit and away from risks of obesity, depression and many more such psychological and physical problems.
While it is important to maintain proper hygiene, a little natural play will not hurt your child. So, if you are overly sanitizing the environment of your child, you may be depriving your child of a strong immune system. Let your kids out of the house and play like you and your peers did in childhood. You will not only find your kid happier, but also help him grow up as a healthier person.