Some kids are drawn to dirt. They love it. In fact, there are children (you might say) who were born to play in the dirt. A pediatrician in a recent parenting magazine indicated that children who play in the dirt are less likely to get sick. Their immune systems are more stable and less compromised. This is a little tip that many parents have known for years: let your kids play! Don't keep them away from every germ!

Below, Jack will demonstrate how the dirt-love'n phases work (especially when combined with water)...

"Hey. What did mom give me? This looks like water! For meee? Are you serious?
I get to play with this all by myself? Mom - you da best!"

"Look, ma. I found some dirt on the table. Do you want it? No? I can have it? Awesome."

"This water feels great. I can dip my hand inside and then FLICK the water everywhere! Something is missing though..."

"Oh...right. THAT'S what's missing. Dirt! Thank goodness daddy left a flower pot on the table with some dirt in it. NOW we're talk'n."

"Drop it in. Check. Mix it up. Check. Swish it all around. Check."

"Hey - I'm low on dirt. I need more. MORE! MORE! MORE!" (Signing "more" here, with his hands)

"Dirt, dirt, dirt. Mixed with water. Makes me veeery happy."

"Now it's time for the TWO HANDED swish."

"Now that the dirt is gone, I think I'll dunk the flower pot in the water, too."

"I love dirt. I love water. I love dirt and water together. I love my life. I love my mama, too. She rocks." (Paraphrased)

Thank you, Jack. We appreciate the demo of all things dirt-love'n. Carry on, my dirty little friend. Carry on.

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Kids Perks and Personal Child Stories. She has a background in early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.