Summer’s here and who doesn’t want to spend beautiful sunny days outdoors? But before the whole family steps out of the house, everyone needs to apply a sun protection lotion.
The problem is that many kids have a tragic aversion to having sunscreen lathered all over their body. Some probably have had some traumatic experience of having the lotion accidentally squirted into their eyes. Some just dislike the oily feeling all over their skin.
However, putting on sun protection lotion is a must. Here are some smart sunscreen tips that parents can use to ensure their kids get adequate sun protection.
Teach Kids About Sun Protection
Early education about sun protection is crucial. Most kids would’ve been taught in preschool or kindergarten about using sunscreen, wearing wide brim hats and sun protective clothing on hot summer days.
Parents can emphasize the same thing at home and lead by example. The more the family talks about being sun smart, the more receptive the children will be about using sunscreens. If the kids still protest, tell them they have no other choice but to apply sunscreen if they want to go out in the sun.
Apply Sunscreen Before Leaving the House
Don’t wait until the family gets to the beach, the pool or the park to apply sunscreen. Do it before leaving the house. The best time is probably when getting dressed. This way, sand or dirt won’t get stuck in the cream or lotion as it is being applied. Also, sunscreens work much better if they are applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Use Fun Methods to Put on Sun Protection Lotions
When fun is injected into an activity, kids naturally respond positively to it. So use some fun methods to help kids put on sunscreens. Here are some examples:
- Buy a washrag hand puppet in the shape of the child’s favorite animal and use it to put on sunblock lotion.
- Give the child a new and clean paintbrush to brush sunscreen all over the body.
- Do a funny dance each time the child allows herself to be lathered with sunscreen.
- Use the TV to distract the child while Mum applies the lotion on him.
- Don’t call it a sunscreen or sunblock. Instead, call it a “magic lotion” or “super cream”.
Let the Child Apply Sunblock on Parents
Kids love being their parents’ little helpers. So let the child apply sunblock on Mum or Dad whenever possible. Show them putting on sunscreen is something people do when they go out in the sun. After Mum or Dad have the sunblock on, it’s the child’s turn to have it.
Whether a child likes it or not, he must put on sun protection lotion whenever he wants to stay out under the sun. Teaching kids about sun protection, applying sunscreen before leaving the house, using fun methods to put on sun protection lotions and letting the child to apply sunblock on their parents are just some smart sunscreen tips that parents can use on their kids.
Found this article useful? Read also Sun Protection for Young Children, Using Sunscreen Wisely and Summer Survival Tips for Families.
References:
Dr. Artemi, Phillip and Aspres, Tina. All about Kids’ Skin: The Essential Guide for Parents. Sydney: ABC Books, 2008.
Borgenicht, David and Grace, James. How to Con Your Kid. Philadelphia: Quirk Books, 2005.
