Greenhouse - Tips and Advice: Dirt - The Oldest Toy Ever
by Shawnee Bowlin
FeedTheVillage.com - Tips and Advice: Dirt - The Oldest Toy Ever
Yes, dirt truly is the oldest toy ever. Although there are a few exceptions, most young children absolutely love to play in dirt. If they can make mud with the dirt and/or dig holes, they are even happier. Parents have become so involved with life inside the home that they have begun to scorn what our wonderful God gave us all along to help keep our children occupied and also to use as a learning tool. Children need that awesome experience of being allowed to connect with nature. I'm wondering if this is one reason so many allergies have developed...parental sheltering, that is. We have taken our children out of their natural environment and put them in central heat and air, polluted the air, filled our grounds with chemicals, and taken away some of their natural abilities to become immune to what is outside our homes. Attention spans have suffered as well. Our children of old used to be able to entertain themselves quite well with a day in the sun and shade, trees, dirt, and grass. They could use their imaginations to their little hearts' content, outside in the natural air, watching the wild animals and pets, and exploring the great outdoors. Now it's hard to even entertain them with video games and television without hearing the exasperated sigh of "I'm bored". Dirt is one of the best toys ever invented. Just ask the adult avid gardener! Of course, some might not admit it, but even adults get satisfaction from digging in the earth. But, ahem, that makes dirt an important work tool or mental escape tool, not of course, a "toy". (I guess they don't even consider that big piece of equipment they absolutely must have to dig in the dirt a toy either! ha) Babysitting at my house on the good days of no rain or harsh cold also means that the parent must be prepared for a dirty child at pick-up time! I warn parents to bring a spare suit of clothing that can get dirty or clothes that the child should change into before leaving again with mom or dad. Yes, dirt is indeed a wonder toy. Little children can stay occupied for several hours with just a few things to use with their dirt. Old spoons, coffee cans, bowls, some water, a wagon, a box, and much more simple everyday things can turn dirt into things we adults have long forgotten. Even sticks become magical pieces of the wild imagination when used with dirt! Maybe you could dig up a little bit of child yourself and renew some old memories, or join a little playmate and make some new ones. Dirt isn't just for the gardeners, you know.
|
