Do You? Dirt...

[dingledine]

Do you let your daycare kids play in the dirt. I have many dirt spots, as the gophers/moles have made them. I do NOT let the kids play in those anymore. However, near the house, I have a dirt/mulch area, and I let the kids dig/play in there, with tools etc. I DO have a sandbox as well though.

Is that just too dirty in general? What do you think?

I watch an 16mo, 17mo, 3, and my 4 year old daughter.

[SilverSabre25]

Yup mine dig in the dirt. Every single day. I have big metal dump trucks and tons of shovels and things. dirt digging is the favorite boy activity. girls do it somewhat, but less for the pleasure of dirt and more for a purpose like making "muffins".

[sharlan]

I do not allow the kids to play in the dirt. I have two sandboxes for that.

BUT, they play in it every single day. Every day I say, GET OUT OF THE DIRT at least 50 times.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

The dirtier the better, in my opinion. (However, digging up dirt in my lawn is not ok with me. We have lots of dirt for digging--"woods," mud kitchen, garden--so my yard is off limits for digging.)

[Neekie]

Yep, I let mine play in the dirt, but I tell the parents to send them in clothes that they can get dirty. Playing in the dirt is so much fun! I remember doing that when I was a kid. I usually change them into clean clothes and make them clean up with soap and water once we get back inside so I can keep my carpets and furniture clean.

[kathiemarie]

My back yard is ALL dirt. So yes they paly in it.
I did have a DCM say you should put grass in. I said sure if the P---- family wants to help landscape I would. She said "sure! that's what my FIL does and he would be happy too!" So, now I'm going to get my back yard done! I can't wait. I'm going to go with a natural theme. No grass though my dog is allergic.

[Maria2013]

Do you let your daycare kids play in the dirt. I have many dirt spots, as the gophers/moles have made them. I do NOT let the kids play in those anymore. However, near the house, I have a dirt/mulch area, and I let the kids dig/play in there, with tools etc. I DO have a sandbox as well though.

Is that just too dirty in general? What do you think?

I watch an 16mo, 17mo, 3, and my 4 year old daughter.

kids love dirt and I love to watch them play

I have mulch over dirt and I offer tools as well, (I got rid of my sandbox) my parents know not to sent the kids wearing nice clothes cause when they go outside they are free to get down and get dirty....they're all ok with that

[coolconfidentme]

We have a dirt kitchen complete with pots, pans, cups, plates, etc. The kids sale dirt creations to each other & pay for them with leaves!!

[AcornMama]

We play in the dirt daily. All the kids (daycare and my own) are working on digging a big hole together. They've uncovered a big rock and they're trying to figure out how to get it out. There's a mess of little roots in their way. They are having a blast! Best kind of fun!

I also tell parents to send kids in clothes they don't mind getting dirty. I also require each child to bring a raincoat and a pair of boots at enrollment that stay here so we're always prepared for messy play.

[Play Care]

The dirtier the better, in my opinion. (However, digging up dirt in my lawn is not ok with me. We have lots of dirt for digging--"woods," mud kitchen, garden--so my yard is off limits for digging.)

I do not allow the kids to play in the dirt. I have two sandboxes for that.

BUT, they play in it every single day. Every day I say, GET OUT OF THE DIRT at least 50 times

YES! Why is this?! I've warned them that when they dig a hole in the middle of the yard it's dangerous as kids running and playing can fall because of it.

[Meyou]

We have a mud kitchen and it's the most played with toy in the yard. We love dirt here.

[LK5kids]

I don't do dirt...just my preference. I do have a sand table and plan to put in a sand kitchen.

[Neekie]

YES! Why is this?! I've warned them that when they dig a hole in the middle of the yard it's dangerous as kids running and playing can fall because of it.

Yes, my dcks are not allowed to dig in the lawn or anywhere they want either. There are specific areas for digging in the dirt like our garden area. And I do not allow them to dig in the dirt whenever they want to either. We have certain days and times set up for dirt digging because it is such a messy activity. But I have a huge sandbox that they play in everyday. The sandbox is actually a favorite over here.

[Familycare71]

No- no dirt here... We have a sand box. If they feel the need they can dig there- I can't handle dirt (well more so mud!)...

[Heidi]

http://www.letthechildrenplay.net/search/label/messy%20play

This is my dream...I'm not quite there yet, but I wish I were. It looks so dang fun! This site has so many ideas!