Let them play
Many factors, including the types of germ and the seriousness of a disease needs to be taken into consideration before deciding whether to expose children to germs. That being said, I do know this - my own children lived in the countryside and made mud pies, swam in dams and ran barefoot as children like to do. In contrast, my sister wiped every spill off her son and changed his clothes as soon as a spot of dirt got on him. Her child picked up colds more easily! Even so, healthy food and a clean environment do contribute to a better lifestyle.
From Ms Em Dodds
UAE
Get them into Nature
We should expose our children to Nature, but not to germs.
From Ms Rummana Madhat Rasul
Dubai
More prone to infection
To some extent it is important to build a child’s immunity. Children who are protected from germs and bacteria too much, generally catch more infections.
From Ms Shivani Manav Kaura
UAE
Exposure with limits
Let children play on the ground for a while, but not in the grass or in a closed area.
From Mr Sasikumar Kandasamy
UAE
Part of development
Sometimes we need to face a risk to know what it is all about, but never blindly. Precautions and safety measures should be nearby at all times.
Children need to be exposed to all kinds of changes in their growing years rather than letting them grow up in a protected environment. Their immune system will be well developed by the time they are grown up.
From Mr Krishna Kumari
UAE
Necessary for coping
It’s very important to our immune systems. Without being introduced to germs, our immune systems become idle. Then when it’s necessary to fight off infection, we can’t cope.
From Mr David Crankshaw
UAE
Exposure is too risky
Parents should make an environment where they make sure that their children are safe from germs because nowadays these germs are much more efficient and easy to affect our children’s lives. It’s better to teach them how to avoid germs as much as possible so they can also learn a good habit in their lives.
From Ms Romana Noor
UAE
Protection makes us weak
I understand the need to protect your children, but they will just end up with weaker immune systems and suffer as adults. They can even develop allergies that can be easily avoided if exposed to germs at younger ages.
We played in the mud and with animals in our time and we have better immune systems because of it.
From Ms Priyanka Prajapati
UAE
Don’t push it
I think they should, but without exaggerations.
From Mr Anas Siala
UAE
It’s just gross
I agree with Mr Anas Siala. Not really because it’s dangerous, but because it’s gross. I saw a child at a restaurant last week on the floor of a restaurant eating crumbs off the ground. Not so worried about them getting sick, but it’s just gross.
From Mr John Arthur
Abu Dhabi
Get dirty and get clean
I believe exposing children to germs is better and then to make sure they are cleaned well. This is also a must. Over protection is at times dangerous for children.
From Mr M. Shehzad Ali
UAE
Get them gardening
We should let them get into gardening. It will build their immune systems with also a fun hobby to learn.
From Mr Naeem Zaidi
UAE
Don’t encourage it
I think parents should develop immunities with their diet and by exercise. Being careful with germs is very important for children. We shouldn’t encourage them to get dirty.
From Ms Kirn Munawar
UAE
Facebook comment
Teach hygiene habits
Children are exposed to germs every day. The best way to build a child’s immune system is breastfeeding. It is also important to have good hygiene habits that are taught at a young age.
From Ms Susie Marx
UAE
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