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Summertime is a blessing. Time together with family and friends, a change of pace, sunshine, and play time in water and sun! However, with the sunshine can also come some uncomfortably hot summer days. Heat has an impact and children are particularly susceptible to the heat. Depending on how high temperatures climb, children (and all of us), if we are not careful, can experience heat related illness (heat stroke, sunburns, etc.). Here are 5 affordable ideas of beating the heat with children!
1. Stay Hydrated - One of the most important things we need to remember is that our bodies need to be hydrated in order to function properly. Make sure that you and your children have access to water at all times. Have water bottles filled with ice and water, water coolers at arm's reach at all times. And water can be fun and flavourful! Check out these easy recipes to make healthy and naturally flavoured water: http://greatist.com/health/flavored-water-healthy-recipe. 2. Make Frozen Treats with your children. Freeze and then enjoy: frozen grapes, watermelon, berries, bananas or make homemade popsicles. Check out these frozen delectable treats: http://www.superhealthykids.com/recipe-category/popsicles-and-frozen-treats/. 3. Limit Time Outside - As much as being outside is fun, be conscious of sun and heat exposure. Visit the library and sit in their air conditioned buildings and immerse your child in the adventure of the stories! Support your local artistic, cultural, historical or scientific institution by visiting a museum. (The Happy Show is currently exhibiting at the Museum of Vancouver.) At many museums children 4 and under get in for free and there are family rates. Inside, children will learn and enjoy while staying out of the sun! 4. Go for a Splash - Be it at the beach, at an indoor or outdoor pool, be it in the tub even! Bring your temperature down by taking a dip. Did you know that all the outdoor pools in Surrey are free? Click here to find a pool in Surrey near you. 5. Stay Still - It is hard to suggest with a child but when it is hot, exerting a lot of energy can be problematic. Young children in particular heat up more quickly than adults and are at greater risk of heat-induced illnesses. Promote more low-energy activities; bring out the board games, the books, imaginative play, and dare I say, watch a movie?? You could also bring out the creativity materials - make pictures to send to friends and family, maybe even think about and create some Christmas gifts. Pinterest is chock-a-block full of creative ideas! Jen Cunnings Minister with Children, Families & Elders St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church |
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