The great thing about kids is their resilience. Try as you might, you will never be able to protect your kids from the many trials and tribulations of life. And of course, you shouldn't. Children learn by doing. They learn by making mistakes. We have to let them learn, right? (Well, to an extent.)

My youngest son Aj is a quick learner and always has been. When it comes to dirt, he's like a fish in water. Sort of.

I was looking out the window watching the boys whilst they played on the dirt track with trucks over by Oak Bend where the dirt is powdery and loose, almost like dust. Aj was taking handfuls of dirt and throwing it straight up, only his aim was off and much of it ended up in his face.

He cried a bit, but when he saw the look on mommy and daddy's faces and saw daddy run for the camera, he knew it was going to be ok. Aj had done a great job that day. He learned about dirt and how it can sting if it gets in your eyes.

That doesn't stop him though, there is more testing to be done. Play is the work of children, and it is serious work indeed!