Growing up on a cattle ranch in the heart of Utah, my childhood was a whirlwind of dirt, mud, grass, and yes, manure. If we weren’t covered in grime, we simply weren’t having fun. Fast forward to today, and parenting in a suburban neighborhood with my three kids doesn’t quite yield the same experience. They’d rather engage in a virtual game about getting dirty than actually dive into the soil themselves.
I’ll admit, I often find myself in a daily struggle just to get my 10-year-old son to hop into the shower. Convincing him feels like suggesting he climb into a medieval torture device! And checking my 7-year-old daughter’s toothbrush after her claims of brushing is now a routine.
In 2017, my kids’ cleanliness habits seemed typical for the times, but they hardly engage with dirt. Yet, according to Dr. Samuel Wright, a microbial ecosystems researcher at the University of Chicago and author of “Dirt Is Good,” a little more dirt could actually be crucial for their immune system development.
During a recent discussion with NPR, Dr. Wright emphasized that many parents mistakenly over-sterilize their children’s surroundings. For instance, when my 3-year-old ventures into the backyard and comes back slightly muddy, my instinct is to rush her inside for a scrub. However, Dr. Wright argues that such cleanliness can limit their exposure to beneficial microbes essential for developing robust immune systems.
Pets, too, play a role in this equation. Dr. Wright said, “It’s perfectly fine to wash your hands if there’s a flu going around, but if your child interacts with a dog, and the dog licks their face, that’s actually beneficial.” As a parent, it may take some time to adjust to the idea of my child receiving a slobbery kiss from a dog, especially when I think about where that tongue has been!
He also addressed the infamous pacifier debate. Contrary to popular belief, the five-second rule is more myth than fact. Instead of panicking over a fallen pacifier, parents who clean it with their own saliva and return it to their child may actually help reduce allergies and respiratory issues. While I’ve seen this happen, I’m relieved my family is past the pacifier stage—I can’t say I’d be keen on popping a dirty one in my mouth, no matter how beneficial it might be for my child.
As for hand sanitizer? Dr. Wright suggests opting for soap and warm water instead, as it does less harm to a child’s health overall. His main takeaway? Unless a serious virus is circulating, let your kids get messy. Last weekend, when my toddler smeared dog poop onto her sister, I was right to intervene, but if it had been just dirt, I would have been overreacting.
Dr. Wright’s insights are part of a growing movement encouraging parents to allow their children to experience the joys of messiness. For instance, a study from the University of Iowa found that toddlers exposed to non-solid objects like oatmeal and glue develop language skills more rapidly than those who aren’t. Messy play is invaluable for sensory exploration.
So what does this mean for us parents? It’s time to take a deep breath and ease up. We don’t need to be constantly on “dirty kid” patrol or dousing our children in hand sanitizer. It’s okay to pop that pacifier back in their mouth after it falls. Kids are naturally inclined to get dirty and they love it.
Dr. Wright’s research suggests that avoiding dirt may actually lead to immune system issues in the future. As a father, I understand the struggle of wanting to keep my kids clean. But I clearly need to relax a bit and allow them to enjoy the world around them without worrying about the mess they might create.
In closing, Dr. Wright left us with a powerful thought: “Generally, let your child experience the world. Provided they are vaccinated, there’s no significant threat. This exposure can actually strengthen their immune system.” Clearly, this is something I need to work on—not just for my kids’ health, but for my own peace of mind too.
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In summary, embracing a little dirt can foster healthier, happier kids. Let them play, explore, and yes, get messy.