5 very good reasons to let your kids play in the dirt

I recently reflected on the first time that my son played with dirt in our backyard. While my husband was busy preparing for our annual vegetable garden, I watched as my little one grabbed a tiny fistful of soil. He played with the clump in his hands for a minute, patted it together, and THEN threw it at me! His face lit up and he giggled. My first reaction was to cease the behavior immediately (what if he starts throwing dirt at everyone AND look at our soiled clothing?!). While I was deciding, another mud pie sailed past me and landed on my husband. The laughter continued.