There are a couple of things most kids have in common – they have big imaginations and they love getting their hands dirty. Summer vacation provides ample opportunity for kids to indulge in both. But, if you’re like most parents, the sight of grubby fingers elicits a quick response in the form of soap, water, and maybe a big squirt of hand sanitizer for good measure. Recent research shows, however, that exposing our kids to a little dirt now and then can have positive effects on their developing immune systems. And as summer continues, there’s another “ailment” we think playing in the dirt can help with too – late-July boredom. So, here we share what researchers are finding out about the positive impacts that playing with plants and soil can have on our kids’ health, and we suggest a few fun and simple projects to keep little fingers busy (and a little dirty) in the final weeks before school starts again.
Research Supports Playing in the Dirt
Dr. Joel V. Weinstock, a researcher from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, believes that protecting ourselves from germs by staying indoors and sanitizing everything we touch keeps us from interacting with the naturally-occurring bacteria and viruses that train and strengthen our immune systems. It’s called the “hygiene hypothesis,” and several studies have shown that avoiding these microorganisms – especially those we pick up by touching soil and plants – may be leading to increased occurrences of autoimmune disorders like irritable bowel disease, allergies, and asthma in developed countries like the United States. In other words, a little dirt won’t hurt – in fact, it might be a good thing.
Create a New Little World
Legend has it that tiny, unseen fairies flit among our flowers and plants, bringing us health and happiness. To provide these blessings, fairies need a safe and comfortable place to live. A great way for kids to develop healthy immune systems and healthy imaginations is by creating an outdoor fairy house or garden. At the store, we have a variety of little houses, figures, miniature plants, and other accessories to get a fairy homestead started, but some of the most imaginative building materials can be found by exploring the yard or a local park. As they gather the natural bits and pieces found all over the ground, your kids’ active imaginations turn twigs into fencing material, leaves into carpeting, and acorn caps into hats, buckets, and soup bowls. Before long, an afternoon will pass, their fingers and toes will be dirty, and a new world of magic and imagination will take shape among your backyard trees and plants.
Adopt a Houseplant
As adults, we know keeping houseplants is a rewarding hobby – why not share that experience with the kids? Start with something easy – a pothos, for example – then let the kids learn firsthand how plants use water, light, soil, and our careful attention to grow and develop. Send them outdoors to repot their plant into a new container they’ve selected – it’s a great way to develop their creative eye and solidify their sense of ownership in the plant. Outside, it won’t matter if they create a colossal mess either. It’s part of the process, and what’s more fun – and healthy – for a kid than being elbow-deep in soil? And as your kids gain experience with one plant, you can introduce others with different care needs – like cacti, orchids, or ferns – and introduce them to how varied and interesting the natural world can be.
Plant a Salad
With so many convenient alternatives available for food and entertainment, it can be difficult to get kids to eat vegetables or drop the screens and go outside. Growing an edible garden from seed is a great project that accomplishes both. Even in late July, there’s still time to start quick-growing herbs and veggies – like basil, bush beans, peas, spinach, carrots, and a variety of lettuces – and watch them develop into edible crops long before the growing season is over. Kids enjoy getting their hands in the dirt as they prepare the planting bed, sow the seeds, then wait in anticipation for the first new leaves to appear. Tending a garden as it grows is a perfect way to learn responsibility and the rewards that come from a job well done – all while picking up some of those immune system benefits too. And it’s almost miraculous how even the pickiest of eaters will eagerly taste a formerly dreaded vegetable just because they’ve grown it themselves.
Battle the Germs and the Boredom
Who knew something as simple as some dirt under the fingernails could stave off boredom and help your kids grow strong immune systems too? If you’re looking for educational, entertaining, and yes, even healthfully grubby ways to fill the remaining time until school starts again, come see us. We love playing in the dirt, and we have all kinds of ideas to get you started too.
