Keeping Kids Sun-Safe This Summer

Keeping Kids Sun-Safe This Summer

Keeping Kids Sun-Safe This Summer

 

Summer has officially started, and we bet your kids are spending as much time as possible having fun in the sun in your backyard. While many people think of sunscreen primarily as a tool for pool days or beach trips, if kids are spending time outdoors, sun safety should be a concern no matter where they are.

The CDC states that even a few sunburns can increase a child’s risk of skin cancer later in life, but thankfully, there are many ways you can prioritize sun safety anywhere your children are playing outdoors. Keep reading for some of our top tips.

How to Keep Kids Safe From the Sun

Encourage activities in the shade. The best way to stay safe from the sun is by not being exposed to it at all, but that does not mean you have to keep your kiddos indoors! UV rays are the most harmful in the middle of the day, so this is a great time to encourage activities in the shade. If your children are making use of your backyard, you could even consider adding some shade in creative ways if it tends to be on the sunny side.

Always apply sunscreen. Every time children are planning on playing outside, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before they head out and reapply every two hours. It is best to choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and contains protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is also recommended to apply a chapstick that has SPF in it as well to protect the vulnerable skin of the lips.

Let kids pick a sun hat they love. Hats offer great protection to the face, the scalp, the neck and the vulnerable skin on the tops of the ears. Letting your children pick out their own sun hats is a great way to get them excited about wearing one and encourage sun safety at the same time. While ball caps are often a popular choice, encourage them to pick something with a wider brim for extra protection.

For a completely sun-safe activity, indoor drama classes are a great choice! Contact us today to learn more about enrollment options.

Drama Kids July 1 2020 Blog

Summer Fun in Your Own Backyard

Drama Kids July 1 2020 Blog

 

When the weather heats up and the humidity is high, backyard fun takes on a slightly different look than it has in the temperate spring and summer months. Even when it might be too hot for regular outdoor playing activities, there are some solutions to getting the kids outdoors in the summer that will not leave them panting.

With these backyard activities and games, your children are sure to remember this as one of the most exciting summers yet!

Safe Ideas for Getting Kids Outside During the Summer

While there are certain concerns with outdoor activities in the summer, such as heat exhaustion and sunburns, these activities should be safe as long as you follow proper precautions!

Swap the kiddie pool for water toys. While kiddie pools are a classic, they are not the most interactive toys and the endless filling and emptying to keep the water clean can certainly get old for parents, too! That being said, water activities are a great tool to cool off during the summer heat, so consider more creative ways to implement them into the fun. Water balloons, inflatable water pillows and water obstacle courses are all fun ways to cool off as long as everyone is super safe about SPF.

Catch and release lightning bugs. Lightning bugs are out in full force right now, and chasing them down can be a great activity for summer as it will take place long after the heat of the day has subsided. Teach your children how to gently catch them, marvel at their light and then release them back into the wild to carry on about their business.

Move your morning crafts outside. While some days are sweltering from beginning to end, you can often take advantage of the more temperate mornings by moving your regular indoor activities onto the porch or patio. Having a morning crafting session making use of outdoor materials such as pinecones or leaves is a great way to get outside before the sun becomes unbearable.

With our online drama classes, your child won’t have to leave home to have a great time! Learn about our enrollment options and get started today.