For those of us in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), this weekend is going to bring temperatures we are not super accustomed to. My weather app is indicating low to high 90’s! Here are a few tips to survive these hot days.
Freeze water bottles to help with hydration: I don’t know about you but I feel like a broken record to my kids particularly on hot days when I ask them, “are you drinking water?” Of course they always say yes despite my then finding water bottles with maybe two sips taken from them. I like to freeze water bottles so that as the ice melts, you have cold water and less complaining from the kids on the water being icky (insert my mom eye roll).
Children’s Hospital recommends kids drink a number of eight-ounce cups of water equal to their age with a maximum of eight or 64 ounces. A four-year-old would have four 8-ounce cups and so forth.
It’s also recommended to start hydrating first thing in the morning.
Sunscreen is not a swear word: Though my kids definitely act like it is when I mention it. I am big on three things when it comes to sunscreen. First is variety which means I have sticks, lotions and sprays on hand always. Second is the brand. Currently, I am big on the Cerave sunscreen because it reflects the sun’s rays versus absorbing it. Lastly is ensuring it’s a high SPF. Be sure to reapply regularly, despite your kids resistance.
Cool foods: Cool as in things that are not warm. Obviously kid favorites are popsicles and ice cream but try freezing fruit like grapes and watermelon or vegetables like cucumber.
Sprinkler and Trampoline: I mentioned this to one of my friends who also has a trampoline and was shocked her kids hadn’t tried it. My kids (and my husband and I!) love putting the sprinkler under our trampoline as a way to have fun and stay cool. No trampoline? Nothing wrong with a good ol’ run through the sprinkler.
Family dares: Who doesn’t love seeing dad catapulting off a slip and slide? Well, maybe your teenagers. But if you have kids who are not mortified by your existence, make a game out of things and the loser has to have cold water dumped on their head or a fun water balloon fight. I was screaming my head off the last time my kids came at me with water guns. But all in good fun.
Wading pools aren’t just for toddlers: My kids are well past the baby years but I still find it perfectly acceptable to set up a small pool in the driveway (because my husband refuses anything that ruins our grass). I also bought this little splash pad a few years ago and it was a huge hit.
Shade is your friend: Unlike many PNW folks I know, I happen to love the heat. But we all know there is too much of a good thing. I recently bought these umbrellas that clip onto a chair to ensure we give our bodies a break.
Pulse points: These are parts of your body where blood vessels are closest to the surface of your skin. If you can cool these points, it can actually recirculate and cool down your entire body! Cold water or a cold towel on your wrists or neck is a great way to cool your whole body. (source)
Head to Air Conditioning: We happen to have central AC in our house but without it, I think I might need to escape when the temperatures rise above 80 degrees. You could head to the mall, a museum or out to lunch to an air conditioned restaurant.
Don’t forget your pets: Animals respond differently to heat than humans. Avoid over-exercising your pet, walk your dog on the grass and don’t let them linger on pavement to avoid burnt pads, and to cool them off apply cool (not cold) rags to their feet, neck, and underarms. See more tips here.
Do you have tips to help your family beat the heat? We’d love to hear!
Read more of Stephanie’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
