As a mom of two energetic boys born just 16 months apart, I often found myself in a whirlwind of toddlers who seemed to have endless energy. While other parents at the park were adamant about limiting screen time, I secretly wished for a show that could capture my kids’ attention for just a few minutes. I wanted those precious moments to get some chores done without turning around to find snacks scattered everywhere.
Now, I know that toddlers benefit greatly from engaging with their parents rather than zoning out in front of a screen. However, I quickly realized I wasn’t the type of mom who could sit on the floor for hours, solely focused on their development. To be honest, I’m not great at playing, and after just a couple of hours with my boys, I was ready to pull my hair out.
“Why can’t they just watch some TV?” I would think, fully aware I was breaking the unspoken rules of parenting. The judgment from the online parenting community was palpable.
Then one Sunday morning, I heard an unfamiliar accent and snorting sounds from the playroom, which was otherwise suspiciously quiet. My eldest son, Max, was laughing uproariously while his younger brother napped. It turned out that Peppa Pig had captivated him—especially the episode where Daddy Pig misplaced his glasses.
That brief moment of joy marked the beginning of a lifeline for us. Shortly after, Max was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 2 years and 10 months old. One minute he was climbing the high slide like a daredevil, and the next he was in a hospital bed, overwhelmed by a flurry of medical procedures. Our lives changed instantly; we were thrown into a chaotic journey that would test our strength and resilience beyond measure.
Max’s first surgery led to severe complications, and he struggled to regain his strength. Over the next two and a half years, he faced numerous treatments and hospital stays. We ended up watching a lot of TV—shows like Peppa Pig, Max & Ruby, and Wow! Wow! Wubbzy became a source of comfort. Despite the chaos, those shows brought him joy during some of his darkest days.
One morning, Max woke up paralyzed, and the treatments meant to save him were taking a toll. With a determined spirit, he whispered, “I want to jump in a muddy puddle.” His eyes sparkled at the thought, and I realized how much he missed the simple joys of being a child.
Max passed away just a few days after his fifth birthday, but I like to think he is finally free to leap into muddy puddles and dance in the rain. He was robbed of the joys of childhood, just like the 13,000 other children in the U.S. diagnosed with cancer each year.
In his memory, my husband and I founded The Muddy Puddles Project to raise funds for childhood cancer research. It serves as a reminder for parents everywhere to let their kids be kids, to embrace the messiness of life.
Recently, I received an email from the marketing director of Peppa Pig, who shared clips from the show and mentioned that Peppa loves to jump in muddy puddles too! It made me smile, knowing that Max’s “friend” Peppa inspired his wish to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
We are all reminded to encourage our children to embrace their wild side—whether it’s getting messy with finger paint, reading an extra bedtime story, or giving piggyback rides. One day, they’ll grow up and see muddy clothes and wet shoes as annoyances rather than adventures.
In honor of Max and all children affected by cancer, I hope you choose to let your kids jump in muddy puddles! April showers bring…muddy puddles! Join us in celebrating National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day on April 1. We invite kids nationwide to don their wellies—rain or shine—and stomp around to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Help us give cancer the boot! For more information, visit this link and join our community at this page.
In memory of all the brave children who have faced cancer, let’s encourage our kids to enjoy every muddy moment!
Summary
Emily Sanders shares her heartfelt story about her son Max, who faced a brave battle against cancer. Through their journey, she learned the importance of letting kids enjoy their childhood, including jumping in muddy puddles. In his memory, she and her husband started The Muddy Puddles Project to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, encouraging parents everywhere to embrace the joy of messiness in their children’s lives.