Why it's healthy for children to play with mud!
My oldest son making potions with mud
There are so many benefits to children in playing outdoors with mud and nature, with proven benefits including improved concentration and mental health and a better-developed immune system.
Studies have found that soil contains the bacteria mycobacterium vaccae and when children play with it and smell it, it can release serotonin in the brain making the child happier.
There have also been studies finding that the germs found in mud can actually help strengthen your child’s immune system. Conversely, children who are brought up in an environment that is too clean may increase their risk of illnesses such as allergies and asthma.
There’s lots you can do with mud: from making a mud kitchen with old pots and pans, through to mud pies, mud castles, mud cakes decorated with items found in nature and mud potions. You can even make a mud face with things you find on the ground. Remember: it’s not about doing something perfect, it’s about your child losing him or herself for a while in the sensation and joy of playing with nature and letting their imaginations run wild!
It doesn’t need to be raining either - you just need to get some good old soil or compost, make sure there is nothing nasty in it, mix in some water and you’re good to go and get muddy!
Making and decorating a mud cake
All three of my children (aged five, nine and ten) have loved playing in mud and nature. I find it has a calming effect on them when they get absorbed in imaginative nature play - the less toys involved the better! They have enjoyed the squelchy feeling of playing with wet mud, but I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea! Playing in nature doesn’t always have to involve getting dirty, you can also play and make things with dry items like pebbles, sand, grass, leaves and sticks, this will still have a positive effect, although for some, it maybe won’t be quite as fun!
Anja ffrench
Founder and Director
Mud & Bloom
Decorating a sand cake with elderflowers