Your child should lead an active lifestyle and you cannot let the weather get in the way of that. Let your child enjoy the sun but make sure they are protected at the same time.
We often hear of keeping hydrated, covering up and other easy remedies, however our precious ones need extra care this summer. Their bodies are susceptible to illness which is common during summer months. So take precautionary steps to help keep your child protected and ready for summer fun.
Extra sleep time
Being exposed to the sun all day makes your child more tired, they lose body fluids faster through sweat, which leaves them fatigue and restless. However, this does not very often stop or interfere in their play.
Take control as a parent, let children get to bed earlier than usual and also help them identify for themselves when they are tired and need rest. Make sure they take small naps more often during the day which will help them feel replenished before their next outing.
Hydrate differently
In theory, an adult should drink approximately two litres of water a day, but a small percentage of us can honestly admit to following this statistic. So the next time you reprimand your child for not finishing their water bottle, think again! Water is tasteless and boring and the furthest thing a child wants to have, even if they are thirsty you will often find yourself forcing your child to do so.
So try alternate means of quenching their thirst. Instead of milk or cereal for breakfast offer your child a freshly made juice with unique fruits, this does not take long in a mixer and you can use any fruits you have. If you are up for something more challenging make a smoothie. Avoid adding sugar or sweeteners, use natural sweeteners like honey. For meals, use foods that are high in water content and limit meats and oily foods.
Sunblock all the way
We might grease our children with sunscreen while going to the beach or on a picnic day out in the sun, but applying sun block on a daily basis is equally important. Our children are exposed to the sun at some point in the day and it is important to protect their skin.
Apply sunscreen to all exposed parts at least fifteen minutes before leaving home, apply it yourself to encourage children if they are fussy. Ask a dermatologist to recommend a brand of sunblock according to your child’s skin needs. Don’t get fooled into picking up a drugstore brand just because it has a cute packaging.
Keep calm and cover-up
If your child does not have a uniform he or she must wear, make sure to use this opportunity to help your child cover up. Bundling your child in long-sleeves will only be a disaster, so instead provide a light jacket and ask your child to wear it while in the sun, also help your child stay protected by sun rays with sunglasses (again, go for effectiveness, not cute) let your child understand how important it is to keep them on and the damage the sun might cause. Buy your child a nice cap or hat they like, this is important as if they have helped choose it; it is more likely they will keep it on.
Get your child ready for summertime and don’t let the sun spoil the fun. Make sure to enroll your child in a summer camp or in a sport of their choice. Summer months can be long and the last thing you need is a bored sweaty child. So get out there and let the summer magic begin.
- Sanobar Mistry is a published journalist and currently a kindergarten teacher in Dubai
