Positively dirty
Research conducted by Persil suggests the answer is No. The research shows that these days play seems to consist of spending hours in front of the TV watching videos and playing computer games. Children are missing out on traditional activities that provided their parents with hours of endless entertainment and valuable experiences that aided their development.
The 'Positively Dirty' report revealed:- Nearly three quarters (72%) of the children claimed they regularly avoid messy indoor and outdoor play because they worry about getting told off by their parents for getting their clothes dirty.
- According to the research, 'noughties' children are less 'tolerant' of outdoor dirt, with 42% citing mud and grass as the dirt they least like getting on their clothes, compared to just 24% naming food.
Get stuck in!
One in three children don't want to play outdoor games because they don't want to get dirty. The research was conducted as part of Persil's 'Dirt is good' campaign. The campaign was designed to encourage kids and adults to get out there and experience life; at Persil, we believe getting dirty is a natural part of life, so when you're free to get dirty you're free to learn, grow and develop.
That's why we've created a list of 33 things children should do before they are 10. The activities are fun but they also contribute to their general learning and life experience. So why not get stuck in and try some of these. You can have a look at the other activities by clicking on the Dirt is good link at the bottom of the page:
1. Roll on your side down a grassy bank
2. Make a mud pie
3. Build a sandcastle
4. Climb a tree
5. Make a painting using your hands and feet
6. Have your face painted
7. Make snow angels
8. Ride a bike through a muddy puddle
9. Make your own modelling dough mixture
10. Camp out in the garden
We are working with organisations that allow children to have a variety of outdoor learning, exercise and play experiences.
