Growing up on a cattle ranch in central Utah, my childhood was filled with dirt, mud, and the occasional cow patty. If we weren’t dirty, we weren’t having fun. That was the 80s. Fast forward to today, and as a parent of three living in a suburban neighborhood, I notice a stark difference. My kids rarely get their hands dirty; they’re more likely to play video games than dig in the dirt. Sure, I often have to coax my 10-year-old son into the shower like he’s about to face a dragon, and I check to see if my 7-year-old daughter’s toothbrush is actually wet after her claims of brushing.
While my kids maintain a typical level of cleanliness for 2017, it seems they’ve missed out on some essential dirt time. According to Dr. Lisa Montgomery, a researcher from the University of Chicago, my children would benefit from more exposure to germs to help develop their immune systems. In a recent NPR interview, Montgomery emphasized that one of the biggest mistakes parents make is over-sanitizing their children’s environments. So, when my 3-year-old gets muddy in the backyard, my instinct to rush her inside for a bath may not be the best reaction.
Montgomery also shared insights about pets. For instance, she noted that while it’s wise to wash hands during a flu outbreak, a dog licking a child’s face isn’t a health hazard; in fact, it could be quite advantageous for their wellbeing. As a parent, it might take me a while to get used to the idea of my kid getting slobbered on by a dog, but knowing there’s a health benefit makes it a bit easier to swallow.
On the topic of pacifiers, Montgomery challenged the age-old five-second rule. In fact, a study involving over 300,000 kids revealed that parents who cleaned pacifiers by licking them and returning them to their child saw lower rates of allergies, asthma, and eczema. I’ve witnessed this in action, but thankfully my family has outgrown the pacifier phase—there’s no way I’m putting a pacifier in my mouth, dirty or not, for the sake of boosting my child’s immune system.
As for hand sanitizers? Montgomery is not a fan. She advocates for good old-fashioned soap and warm water instead, which is less harmful to children’s overall health.
In essence, Montgomery’s message is clear: Unless there’s a contagious illness circulating, let your kids embrace the dirt. For example, when my toddler picked up dog poop and smeared it on her sister last weekend, I was right to intervene. But had it been just dirt, I probably overreacted.
There’s a growing movement encouraging parents to let their kids get messy. A recent study from the University of Iowa found that toddlers learn language skills more effectively when they play with non-solid objects like oatmeal or glue. Not only do they learn faster, but sensory play, which often involves mess, is vital for their development.
So what does this mean for parents? We can ease up a bit. We don’t need to constantly monitor for dirt or douse our kids in hand sanitizer. And yes, picking up that fallen pacifier and popping it back in their mouth isn’t the end of the world. Children are naturally inclined to explore, and they love getting dirty.
Montgomery’s research suggests that a lack of exposure to dirt could lead to immune issues in the future. As a dad, I often feel guilty when my kids are covered in grime, but it’s clear I need to loosen up and let them have their fun. After all, worrying about tracking dirt into the house shouldn’t overshadow their joy.
Montgomery concluded her interview with a thought-provoking statement: “Generally, allow your kid to experience the world. As long as they’re properly vaccinated, there’s no threat, and they will actually get a stronger, more beneficial exposure.” Clearly, I need to relax—not just for their health but for my own too.
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Summary:
In summary, Dr. Lisa Montgomery emphasizes the importance of allowing children to get dirty to strengthen their immune systems. Over-sanitizing can hinder their development, and exposure to germs can lead to better health outcomes. Parents should embrace messiness as a part of childhood, as it is crucial for sensory exploration and overall growth.
Keyphrase: Germs are good for kids
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