I am a huge proponent of letting kids get outside, play in the dirt, and make a mess. That’s what I did when I was a kid, and I had an awesome childhood. I’d make forts under trees, explored the woods around my grandparents’ house, and went to Girl Scout camp at least twice a year. One time when I was really young, my cousin and I had a contest to see who could get more dirt on them. I had a blast, plus playing in the dirt actually boosts your immune system! For more reasons why you should let your kids get messy, read this article by Rachel at A Mother Far From Home:
-Sensory satisfaction- Young kids need LOTS of sensory input. Playing with water, dirt, mud, and going swimming can entertain them for hours.
-It’s not permanent- throw them in the tub and wash their clothes- the stains are temporary, the memories are not.
-It’s better than screentime- always put outside time before screen time.