Germs, germs, germs!  They are actually “good” for kids?

See this is something I’ve always “known.” Not because I studied it somewhere or read a book about it, but I’ve always thought that a some exposure to germs is better than trying to keep your children, their environments, and their interactions completely germ free.

Yes, I get a strange looks from parents now and then because I let my children play in dirt. Turns out, I was right to ignore their funny looks and questioning remarks.

According to an article at CNN.com about germs…

With relatively few exceptions, they are good for our kids.

Keeping things clean is smart, but going crazy using antibacterial hand soaps, buying antibacterial kids’ toys and other products and overusing antibiotic medications is actually killing off the microbes that can help strengthen the immune system.

My parents never seemed overly concerned over disinfecting everything I touched and I survived just fine, so I guess that’s why I don’t get all bent out of shape if my kids get a little dirt on ‘em.

Like anything else, using a little common sense helps. You don’t want your kids to have poor hygiene or not know how to clean up after themselves, but at the same time going overboard is not a good idea either.