It’s coming to that time of year again where everything is damp and the ground seems to be constantly soggy with mud. You know sending your child out to play or to Forest School means a possible bin bag change of clothes job when they return, the stuff gets everywhere but trust me when I say there are lots of benefits to muddy play for your child and today I’ll be sharing some of these with you!
1. It builds up their immune system: There is actually scientific research that shows by being exposed to the bacteria in dirt can actually stimulate and build up the immune system as it can increase the diversity good bacteria in the body. If your child is constantly in an environment that is too clean, this can actually weaken their immune system. It has also been shown it can make you happy too! This is because this bacterium causes the brain to release Serotonin, which is a happy endorphin!
2. Mud encourages creativity: There is so much open-ended play involved with mud, such as making sculptures, mud pies and mud painting, giving the children the opportunity to creatively express themselves. Creative play is brilliant for brain development as children have the opportunity to form ideas, problem solve, think critically, and be inventive.
3. Allows the opportunity to be closer to nature: By spending time outdoors playing in mud, this could help to strengthen the connection your child has with nurture. The memories and relationships your child makes with the earth whilst exploring will last a lifetime and hopefully mean they will continue to cherish and care for the world around them in future.
4. Mud is perfect for sensory play: Mud play is a fantastic opportunity to allow your child to explore their senses. What does the mud smell like? What does it feel like? What sounds does it make? Sensory stimulation builds nerve connections in the brain.
5. Builds on children’s adventurous spirit: I have worked with children in the past who have really been reluctant to play in the mud and it took me a good few sessions to get them to finally brave some mud play and when they challenged themselves to take part, they loved it! By taking the plunge and being willing to try something new expands their experiences and in future they may become more adventurous and open to trying new things. Adventure is a big part of life and we want children to be able to manage and risk assess their situations so they don’t miss out on the little things that really are great fun!
So, the next time you’re out and about, arm yourself with emergency clothes and bin bags so that if your child does have the opportunity to squish and squelch in the mud, they can snap this up. Try hold back on your personal feelings to mud too as this can reflect on your child and result in them becoming reluctant to explore and have adventures, plus… mud play is completely free!
