Ditch the Sand, Play in the Dirt

Freaking out because your baby just ate a handful of sand at the playground? I've often heard that "a little sand never hurt anyone" but that may actually not be true.

Here's an eye opener for you, the sand typically found in kid's sand boxes is made from quartz rock and contains little particles known as micro-crystalline silica. What exactly does that mean? Every time your little one tosses a handful of powdery fun up into the air, they are most likely inhaling a carcinogen. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breathing in crystalline silica can be connected to a slew of health problems including silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis and airway disease. Exposure to the compound may also be related to autoimmune disorders and chronic renal disease. Artificial sand, which is usually light and powdery, is no better as it may have materials containing asbestos. All of the sudden that cute turtle sand box is starting to look kind of sinister, huh?

Don't throw out the little green guy just yet, though. Instead, buy some organic soil, dump it in the sand box and let your kids have at it. And if they manage to eat a handful? All the better.  Because, while play sand may pose a danger to kids, studies show that playing in and even eating dirt could lead to them being healthier, happier and smarter. Don't believe me? Check out this article.

Now that we know we know the benefits, here are a few ways the whole family can enjoy getting dirty:

• Join the kids in the sand ... er, soil box.
• Get out in the yard and teach your kids the ancient art of making mud pies.
• Garden as a family.
• Dig for worms.
• Enjoy a bit of mud soccer after (or during) a rain storm.

You get the idea. Be creative, get dirty and stay healthy!