Most of us will have some childhood memories of being completely covered in mud and loving it. We can remember as a child how freeing it was to be able to experience getting dirty.
However, as parents, we might only feel the dread of having to clean our children and everything they touch. It seems we can easily forget the benefits we had as children when it came to playing in the mud.
Well, we are here to remind you of all the great benefits playing in the mud will have on your kids.
What Is Mud Play?
In case you have forgotten or never got to experience mud play we need to establish what it is. Mud Play is the outdoor activity of having children play with mud. When we refer to mud we mean wet or damp dirt that is outside.
Mud play is allowing your children to play freely in the dirt outside, molding it, squishing it, jumping and sliding in it, or throwing it.
Reasons To Let Your Children Play In The Mud
Now that you know what mud play is, let’s look at some of the reasons you should allow your children to play in the mud.
Encourages Creativity
Mud play is completely up to your children’s imagination. They decide how they want to play in the mud, whether that leads to them making a mud pie or just rolling around in the mud.
It improves their creativity by allowing them to take charge of their own play and find entertainment in the mud.
Keeps Children Active
If you are someone who worries about raising a child that is indoors all day, playing on a tablet or phone then this is a form of play to help encourage them to do something else.
Having your child play outdoors encourages them to move around and playing in the mud does the same. It encourages them to jump, slide and run about. So go ahead, and let your kids play in the mud!
Provides Them With Vitamin D
Allowing your child to play in the mud means they will spend more time outside in the sun. This means they will have a boost of vitamin D when playing in the mud.
Stronger Immune System
Having your kids play in the mud could actually lead to a healthier immune system. The bacteria that is found in the mud can improve your child’s immune system as it has been studied that children living too clean of an environment have an increased risk of falling ill more frequently.
Also, studies have shown that children who were raised on farms and other muddy environments are less likely to develop asthma and allergies.
Improves Problem Solving Skills
When it comes to playing in the mud, children also learn problem-solving skills. Whether that is how to make a mud pie or build a mud tower. They learn how to solve the problems they are facing when playing in the mud. This is another great reason to let your kids play in the mud.
Improves Their Social Development
If you have multiple children playing together in the mud then they can create a whole imaginative universe of adventures together. They learn how to listen to each other and how to take turns to play. There is so much for them to talk about when playing together in the mud.
Helps Them Build A Relationship With The Environment
Children who play in the mud usually find enjoyment in doing so. Naturally, this allows them to connect with nature. Whether that is through seeing the insects that are outside or learning to appreciate how fun nature can be. This can stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Eco-Friendly Play
For those of us that are trying to follow eco-friendly parenting techniques, we are always trying to find new eco-friendly toys. There isn’t anything more eco-friendly than allowing your children to play in the natural environment.
It Is Inclusive
One of the great things about mud play is that it is inclusive. This means that almost every child is able to find enjoyment in mud play. You can also create challenges for your children so all of them get involved.
Reduces Stress
Playing in the mud is freeing. It is unstructured and open meaning your child can do whatever they desire. The feelings they get from being able to play without any pressure freely reduce stress and anxiety levels in children.
Creates Core Childhood Memories
Allowing your children to play in the mud is a memory they are unlikely to forget. This allows them to build lasting relationships and memories with the environment.
It is a joy that leaves a lasting impression on children and will give them fond memories of their childhood.
Makes Them Happy
If all those reasons haven’t convinced you to let your children play in the mud maybe this one will. It makes them happy. As parents, we try our hardest to make sure our children are happy and this simple activity can achieve that. Not only does it invoke happiness in our children but it makes us happy too.
There is nothing as magical as seeing your children laughing and being free outdoors. So grab your shoes and let your kids get outdoors and play in the mud.
Is It Safe To Let Kids Play In The Mud?
The safety of our children is one of the most important things to us. So of course you want to know whether mud play is safe. Well as we have said before, mud play has wonderful benefits on our kid’s immune systems.
However, you want to make sure that you keep these things in mind when allowing your child to play in the mud.
Make sure that mud doesn’t go in their eyes, mouths, ears, and nose.
Make sure that the environment is safe from chemicals or anything that is toxic. This also includes checking there aren’t any animal feces around them.
Make sure they are nice and clean once they have finished playing.
Following these steps will help to ensure that your children are safe when playing in the mud.
Final Thoughts
Mud play has so many wonderful benefits for your children. It helps to develop all areas of their lives, ranging from their health to their emotional development.
It is also a really easy way to let your children have fun and experience the freedom of childhood. It makes them happy and that is all we really want for our kids.
So if you were looking for a reason to let your kids play in the mud, we’re sure you’ve found the answer here.
My name is Joyce Bailey, and I am a mother of two wonderful children. When I had my first child five years ago, at first I struggled to know which method of parenting I wanted to adopt. Traditional parenting just did not seem right for my family.
