beach
Whether at summer camp, the beach, the local playground, or just playing in the backyard, children will inevitably be spending a great amount of time in the sun this summer. Choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying it every few hours are two ways to keep your family safe from the damaging effects of sunburn. The challenge, however, is the constant battle to keep your child still long enough to apply it. Here are a few tips to help ease the stress and lessen the complaints of applying sunscreen to your little ones.
- Apply sunscreen before you leave the house. Once you arrive at your fun-filled destination, your child will be way too eager to get going to want to stand still without putting up a fight.
- Allow your child to pick out the sunscreen. Whether they prefer a lotion, spray, stick, or they like a certain colored bottle, by allowing children to make the choice themselves, they will be more likely to accept the sunscreen and feel good about it.
- Ask them to help apply it. Although you may need to give them a hand, by giving children some control over the situation, you are also giving them a fun way to be involved and participate in their own sun safety.
- Explain the importance of sunscreen, and set a good example yourself. Children want to know “why” for pretty much everything, so teach them the reasons we wear sunscreen, the possible dangers of getting sunburned, and show them how important it is by remembering to apply your own sunscreen regularly.
