Whatever, it’s bath night anyway

I got an email the other day from Babycenter.com that said  kids should play outside everyday to burn off some energy, and because, “Being outdoors also provides sensory stimulation (the sun, the birds, the dirt) that can’t be replicated indoors.”

Great idea, Babycenter.com, but where are you when it’s time to clean up this mess?

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I think most parents want their kids to explore, to play, to spend the afternoon making mud pies in the backyard. That’s how I grew up and how I want my kids to grow up. One reason we like being outside is because there are fewer rules: you can run, throw and shout.

But I have to admit, I sort of tensed up watching this. I had to remind myself that clothes can be washed, and little boys can be hosed down.

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Plus, I knew that if I told David not to play in the mud, then he’d say, “Whyyyyy? WHY, MOMMY?”

And I knew I wouldn’t have a good answer.

Why? Well, because there are some LOGISTICS at play that Mommy can’t quite figure out. If you play in the mud then Mommy will have to clean you, and what is Mommy supposed to do with your sister while I strip you down, hose you off, and take you inside to at least get on a diaper before lunch? See, when you think of it that way it almost doesn’t sound fun anymore, THAT’S WHY!

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This is the childhood I want for my kids. Days of digging in the dirt, splashing in the water, rubbing mud on their arms, and having to hose down and leave a pile of dirty clothes by the door when they come inside for lunch.

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This is what I remember about growing up. The only difference, perhaps, is that while I was playing in the dirt my mom wasn’t sticking a camera in my face because this is totally going on the blog.

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8 Comments

  1. Jamie April 14, 2014

    Thanks for this support/reminder! It is so easy to want to pull them away from mud piles! But, I’m pretty sure it’s in the Bill of Rights for Toddlers or something 😉

    Reply
  2. E April 14, 2014

    Oh man, adorable! You are a GOOD mama – a better one than me! 😉

    Reply
  3. Kristie April 14, 2014

    That looks like one fun morning!

    Reply
  4. Meredith April 14, 2014

    Seriously awesome photos Amanda!! I wish we had a fenced in yard… and way to go letting him get dirty!

    Reply
  5. elissa whited April 14, 2014

    I love this! He is so cute. I think Maddie would love to play in the dirt with him. She loves getting wet and muddy outside. It’s definitely tough to let go and let them do their thing though, when all you can think of is how long the process will take to get them back inside, clean and not dragging dirt all over the floor!

    Reply
  6. Jenny April 15, 2014

    Awesome photos! I only have one kid but I am often thinking OMG you want to do x and I immediately think about the clean up. It usually works out just fine but I feel you!

    Reply
  7. chrissy April 16, 2014

    Adorable photos! I struggle with this as well because I am not an outdoor girl and I don’t like a big mess but my 23 month old has other ideas!

    Reply
  8. Amanda April 16, 2014

    Love love love these precious pictures! Sometimes you just have to be a “yes mom” huh? -xo

    Plumtickledpink.blogspot.com

    Reply

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