How Far Should Parents Allow Children Playing Dirty? A Doctor’s Insight
Casal dels Infants – Children playing dirty is often considered by some parents to be beneficial, as it is believed to help strengthen their immune system. They assume children should not be kept overly clean. However, according to pediatrician Ria Yoanita, this understanding must be placed in the right context to avoid potential health risks.
Ria, who is also a member of the Indonesian Pediatric Society, explained that there is some truth to this belief. She emphasized, “There is some truth in this assumption, but we must understand the context and limits,” said the graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
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Furthermore, she referred to the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that reasonable exposure to microorganisms in the environment, such as microbes from soil and animals, can strengthen a child’s immune system. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
Nevertheless, the doctor reminded parents not to let children stay dirty all the time. Excessive exposure may allow harmful microorganisms to cause infections. A child’s risk of illness increases when parents completely neglect hygiene.
Ria highlighted the importance of teaching children to maintain personal hygiene from an early age. Parents must instill simple practices such as washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. In addition, keeping the surrounding environment clean is also essential so that children grow accustomed to healthy living habits.
She also advised parents not to overuse disinfectants or antiseptics at home. Instead, the focus should be on functional cleanliness, not on making the house overly sterile. This approach is more balanced and still safe for a child’s growth and development.
Beyond personal hygiene, parents must ensure that the food and drinks given to their children are always safe to consume. This is a key factor in supporting their optimal growth and development.
In line with this, Dina Agoes Soelistijani, Head of the Directorate of Health Promotion and Community Empowerment at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of collective efforts. “We must work together to create an environment that supports healthy behavior change,” she said.
Children playing dirty may indeed be allowed, but only within reasonable limits. While such exposure to microorganisms can be beneficial, basic hygiene practices remain essential. By maintaining the right balance between children playing dirty, personal cleanliness, and a healthy lifestyle, they can grow up strong, active, and with better immunity.
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