Yes, I said dirt.  That stuff outside that plants and mud puddles grow in.  It exists in great quantities just outside your door, and it is one of the best toys ever.  Stick with me here.

It’s free.

And waiting right outside your door.  All you have to do is pick out a place where your child can play.  Maybe a spot in the garden, or a square on the side of the house where there are no plants.  It’s not much different than making room for a kiddie pool or sandbox.  An old spoon and  small tupperware make great tools for digging and pouring.  Water in another container or from a hose can be added if needed.

It helps your child’s development.

As opposed to structured activities, unstructured play stretches a child’s imagination and creativity.  It can also help improve their problem solving, physical development, social development, and confidence, among other things.  

In your child’s dirt play area they experience the different textures of the dirt, rocks, and plants.  They can also learn to manipulate their environment as they stack rocks, form mud creations, or dig holes.  

It helps them expend energy and anxiety.

No one cares what a dirt patch looks like.  Your child can play to their heart’s content, and have freedoms they wouldn’t have inside the house, gym, or other area that needs to be cleaned up.

It improves their Vitamin D supply.

Yes, we like to limit sun exposure nowadays, but any time in the sun lets your child make Vitamin D.  

It helps their immune system.

Humans weren’t meant to live in sterile environments.  We need contact with microorganisms to train our immune system to function properly; in fact, one study showed that children from farms were less likely to have asthma.  Many of these bacteria, fungi, tiny worms, and other creatures live in dirt.  They’re there to help the dirt function properly (decomposing, fertilizing, aerating, etc), but they conveniently help us too. 

Yes, there are some drawbacks.

There are a few not helpful microorganisms, such as certain worms, but picking the right patch of dirt can reduce that risk.  Dirt on a child can transfer to dirt in the house, but they can be dusted off on the patio before they come in.  They may eat the dirt, but the human stomach is pretty hardy (just be sure the little kids don’t choke on rocks).  Your best spoons may go missing, but watching a happy child may just be worth it.  

Links.

Free play benefits.

5 Reasons to let your child play in the dirt.

Unstructured play.

Benefits of outdoor play.

6 Reasons children should play outside.