Joy-Anna Duggar took to Instagram recently to share a new photo of her kids, 5-year-old Gideon and 2-year-old Evelyn. The image sparked a slew of comments on “natural immunity” and kids who spend time playing video games or watching TV.
Unlike some of her siblings, Joy-Anna regularly shares photos and videos of her family doing everyday things or out having fun, including videos to her YouTube channel.
Although she’s had more than her fair share of criticism over her parenting, this share was different.
In the new photo, it looks like Evelyn and Gideon had a lot of fun playing outside together!
The snap, which Joy-Anna shared on Instagram, shows the two kids holding hands, both wearing similar grey tracksuits while standing barefoot in the yard.
Both kids were covered in mud from head to toe!
Joy-Anna shared a simple but fun caption along with the photo, writing, “It’ll come out in the wash,” followed by a bubble emoji.
The kids looked like they had fun doing whatever it was that led them to be covered in mud. The smiles on both of their faces looks like they’ll have memories of this day when they’re older.
Joy-Anna’s comment section flooded with people who loved the photo.
“That’s what childhood is supposed to look like!!” one fan wrote. “Kuddos to you and Austin keeping these kids ‘grounded.’”
“That’s exactly what they’re supposed to look like when they’re outside playing,” another person wrote.
“My mom always said: you can tell how much fun kids have by how dirty they are,” shared someone else.
“They played hard,” another commenter noted. “I always said a kid who wasn’t dirty hasn’t played outside long enough.”
The comment section also had people touting 'natural immunity' from being out in the mud.
“Getting dirty is very important for children,” someone wrote. “First of all it’s fun and second it’s important for the immune system.”
“It looks like an excellent dose of natural vitamins to me,” added another fan.
“Kids never built immunity being inside watching tv!” shared someone else. “These are the best memories to grow up with.”
“I always say dirt and mud builds natural immunity!” someone else added.
FWIW, studies have shown that playing outside in the mud can help build new pathways for an immune system.
Research has shown that the dirt and mud, specifically, are full of microorganisms that help build the immune system.
“Outdoor exercise is not only beneficial because of the chance to roam free – but that certain natural materials, such as soil and mud, also contain surprisingly powerful microorganisms whose positive impact on children's health we are only beginning to fully understand,” the BBC explained.
The comments also took aim at screen time.
Fans also use Joy-Anna’s comment section to throw shade at screen time and kids who might prefer to play indoors.
Comments included:
“So much fun, better than in front of TV or tablet!”
“More kids should be covered in dirt rather than glued to an electronic.”
“I love this. Kids being kids and having fun without electronics.”
“I would love to see kids covered in mud this way it gets them away from the TV and off their games.”
The kids do look like they had lots of fun, and it’s hard not to smile back when looking at their bright grins.
