(HOWARD, SD) – The countdown is over. The schools have opened their doors and released your children into the wild of their backyards and rural neighborhoods. Let the games begin!
Bike helmets, sunscreen, water and rest – the four-pack of success for medaling in the Parent Summer Olympics.
Get ready to compete in these Olympic events:
- Getting sunscreen on a moving child
- Finding matching flip flops
- Convincing children to wear helmets
- Surviving tournament weekends
- Keeping all the water bottles cold at once
One minute it’s sunscreen and sidewalk chalk. Next, it’s sports tournaments, lake weekends, bike rides and long days in the sun. Every Olympian needs a bag full of the right gear, and we’ve got a summer safety kit to keep you and your child healthy and safe through all of summer’s adventures including:
- Water – Kids get dehydrated faster than adults. Depending on age, children need between four and 11 cups of water per day. This amount increases when they’re in the heat. A great rule of thumb is to make sure they have water before they get thirsty and the dehydration process has already begun.
- Bike helmets –Whether they’re circling the neighborhood or exploring a new campground, those wheels will get a lot of miles. The bike helmet may be their least favorite part of the ride but it’s pivotal for their safety. Wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries by 60%-80%. Make sure the helmet fits snugly but isn’t uncomfortable. Replace the helmet after a crash.
- Sunscreen – Sunscreen is safe to use for children over six months old and is rigorously tested for safety. Reapply sunscreen for your little sun lovers every two hours – more often if they’re swimming or sweating. Just one childhood sunburn can increase chances of skin cancer in adulthood. Anyone who’s had a sunburn knows they really take the fun out of your time in the sun.
- Fireworks – We love to light up the night but let’s keep the flashing lights of our EMT vehicles out of it. When planning your personal shows, establish a safe zone away from structures and grass. Children under six should trade sparklers for glow sticks, and eye protection and close-toed shows are a good idea. Make sure everyone is supervised by a responsible adult.
This safety kit should set you up for a gold medal in summer parenting and keep everyone having fun in the sun until the school bells start ringing again.