Mud pies. Gardening. Digging for buried treasure. Puddle jumping. Burying a time capsule in the backyard. None of these opportunities should be missed in the span of a young life. There are a thousand ways that dirt is not only good — it’s FANTASTIC. Simply put, dirt is an essential ingredient to a happy childhood.
I have watched this ad so many times, but it never ceases to amaze and delight me. So simple, yet actually quite profound. Many of you may have seen this ad before, but even so, it’s worth another look.
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, or mentor, encourage the kids in your world to “get dirty” — to earn those grass stains and the occasional skinned knee or bug bite. Those things, after all, are signs that real living is going on — PLAY, exploration, discovery, and fun! Childhood was meant to be messy (I’ve heard that somewhere before!). And don’t forget about yourself, either. Dirt is good for grown-ups, too!
A wise man once said, life was meant for living, and I couldn’t agree more. That said, I can’t help but think that so often we are so focused getting through it — checking off boxes on our To Do lists — that we forget to actually enjoy the ride. So, next time you get annoyed at having to wash a load of laundry because of grass stained knees or muddy bottoms, just remind yourself that someone is doing a bang-up job at living, and in the end, that’s what we are all here for.
If you want to read more about my love affair with dirt, check out: Ode to Dirty Sneakers.
Now, if you will excuse me, I have the sudden urge to make mud pies. Who’s with me?
See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru
Yay for MUD!! Mud pies rule! When I was a kid we used to make my dad’s tea – dirt pie and mud butties. We loved it, I think he prefered steak and chips!
Dirty clothes mean a good time has just been had, clean clothes mean a good time is just abut to happen. That’s what my mum always used to say. Any kid who visited our house went home with wet hair (after just having a bath) and freshly washed clothes (because they’d gotten so muddy)!!
For the night shift: Come "get dirty" @ The Grass Stain Guru! http://bit.ly/s8JFs Dirt is Good! #playoutdoors #parent
I used to make those great mud, twig, gravel and grass pies. Mmm… It’s amazing how long making those pies could occupy my sister and I.
Come "get dirty" @ The Grass Stain Guru! http://bit.ly/s8JFs Dirt is Good! #playoutdoors #parent
Great Post and blog. I work in wildlife conservation and education and one of our main pushes is to get parents to realize that being dirty is not a bad thing for kids. We encourage kids to get “hands-on” in our education centers and really get a true “feel” for the world around them. I just came across this on Twitter and will now share with my colleagues. I will definitely use your tips! Thanks.
Hi Kristina! Thanks for the kind words. I worked in conservation education for 10 years — love hearing about your work. I look forward to chatting with you on Twitter! Cheers- Bethe
Life – Jump in & LOVE it! http://ping.fm/rJLNc (via @ForMyKidsLLC)
In case you missed it this week. Dirt is Good! @The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/wQ95V
RT @balmeras In case you missed it this week. Dirt is Good! @The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/wQ95V
.@nan_fischer Thanks 4 turning us onto Grass Stain Guru @balmeras http://bit.ly/wQ95V Always place/time 4 messy.
Great site! I truly believe if I built an oversized sandbox, I could keep my kids happily entertained every summer. Something about dirt, sand, mud, sticks, rocks keeps children so happy! I shake my head at the number of plastic toys I’ve purchased over the years only to have them break right away. I love your message and support you with encouraging parents to get their kids outside in nature.
Thanks!
Suzanne
http://www.mommyfootprint.com
Diggin’ in my blog closet: http://bit.ly/EdqDg Dirt is Good!
RT @balmeras :http://bit.ly/EdqDg Dirt is Good! (We can all use a lot more dirt!)
RT @balmeras Dirt is good! http://bit.ly/3ZQxB7 (We can all use a lot more dirt!)
We’ve been making mud pies here!
RT @JulieScardina RT @balmeras Dirt is good! http://bit.ly/3ZQxB7 (We can all use a lot more dirt!)