Why Kids Should Play in the Mud

Can I Play in the Mud Please Mum?

No! You’ll get your clothes all muddy and make a mess for me to clean up.

Well, who hasn’t heard, said or thought that before! But it got me thinking the other day when I heard a little boy ask his Mum if he could play in the mud at the park. Is mud play something that as parents we should control?

Should Kids Need Permission to Play in the Mud?

What’s actually wrong with mud? Does it cause any actual problems that could hurt our kids? And why do kids love it so much?

First, let’s get technical. Mud, according to Dictionary.com is:

1. Wet, soft earth or earthy matter, as on the ground after rain, at the bottom of a pond, or along the banks of a river; mire.
2. Scandalous or malicious assertions or information: the opposition threw a lot of mud at our candidate.
3. Brewed coffee, especially when strong or bitter.
4. A mixture of chemicals and other substances pumped into a drilling rig chiefly as a lubricant for the bit and shaft.

Now, we’re here talking about the first definition, where mud is the wet dirt in the garden or on the grass. It’s the squelchy blobby stuff that sneaks between your toes and that magical thing which can create all sorts of imaginary play.

It can’t hurt you. It is 100% natural. It is also super fun to roll in! Other than some washable mess, mud is not really something that we as Mums need to stress over. In fact, playing in muddy puddles does actually offer some important health benefits.

News Flash – It’s Healthy to Play in the Mud!

• Happy kids are muddy kids – there is a friendly soil bacteria called Mycobacterium Vaccae which stimulates your immune system and causes your brain to release serotonin, which is your ‘happy hormone.’
• Muddy kids are healthier kids – scientists are saying that we are ‘too clean’ nowadays and this is leading to a rise in kid illnesses and allergies.
• Muddy kids are relaxed kids – researchers have found out that by playing outdoors kids are less stressed and anxious than their indoor based friends.
• Muddy kids are leaders – experimenting and trying new things, being adventurous and thinking about what is happening while playing in the mud builds character, encouraging kids to think beyond the square and develop confidence in themselves.

Check out our friends, the Nature Play Kids, as they have a ball getting stuck in the mud with pigs.

Muddy Kids Have Happy Parents

Every parent wants their children to be happy, but does getting dirty really need to be how they will achieve it? Actually yes, it does. But parents also deserve to enjoy that happiness along with their kids, which is why when kids wear a pair of Mud Mates NZ-made Coveralls, they stay clean and the parents stay happy! It’s a total win-win for all. Or check out our Muddy Kids Pack and you can save washing, time and money!

If your children are a bit unsure about getting muddy start by introducing fun, mud play activities such as magic mud or making mud pies, or why not get the entire family outside and create a vegetable garden?

Do your children like to play in the mud? We’d love to know what their favourite muddy play activities are. Please let us know in the comments below.

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