Chicago is set to have a record summer this year. With temperatures at an all time high, fluctuating between 80 to 90oF, we have never been happier at this time of the year in Chicagoland!
But with anything extreme comes a little precaution. Our sweet, delicate, and well, maddeningly naughty children too need some extra care during this season. So here are some most common problems that affect progenies, and how to counteract them.
1. Protect in the sun: Sunburns, rashes, and more importantly, skin cancer, are all effects of harsh sun. Prolonged exposures can lead to severe problems if not checked in time. But who wants to stay inside when the sun is high? So let’s do it with some protection.
Apply sunscreen to children at home, before leaving for outside. Some effective, highly-rated and easily available sunscreens for children are Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby, La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60, Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50, CeraVe Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45, and Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin.
Usually best outdoor playtimes are early morning or late evening, when the sun is not high up in the sky. At Vernon Hills Montessori Academy (VHMA), we make sure that children are not taken out when sun is at its peak or at its most damaging time.
Dressing for the weather, which includes hats and sunglasses, is always preferable when traveling.
2. Prevent Dehydration: There is science behind how much - and when - kids should drink liquids. Ideally, to prevent dehydration, adolescents should drink 12 ounces of fluid 30 minutes before an activity begins and take mandatory fluid breaks, with kids under 90 pounds drinking five ounces every 20 minutes during activities and kids over 90 pounds drinking nine ounces every 20 minutes. As per Care.com, a child's gulp usually equals a half-ounce of fluid. So your child should drink about approximately 10 gulps for every 20 minutes of play.
3. Keep ‘em active: With the digital environment that we have today, peeling that phone or iPad from your child’s hand is becoming even more difficult, and crucial, as years go by. Sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity, concentration issues, social awkwardness and a host of other consequent problems. Some enforced activity will reap long-term benefits, if you manage to overlook the cranky, tear-filled face of your baby.
Summer, however, is the ideal time to begin that fun plan. Take them for farm or museum visits, teach them a new sport, or simply head out to the park with a big ball and some sandwiches to have a picnic! Signing them up for team activities is also a great exercise, which improves their mental and social development.
We are offering an exciting Summer Camp at VHMA, which includes music, dance, tennis, fitness, drawing and other classes. Not just this year, we organize and host the Summer Camp every year.
4. Protect against bug bites: Heat and humidity in the summer leads to insects and bugs. Not to forget the highly dangerous mosquito! Not only do you hate your child getting stung or bitten, it leads to other discomforts such as fever and rashes if not taken care of promptly.
To keep those prying buzzers away, pick a spot with a slight breeze if eating outside. It helps to keep the flyers from sticking to one spot. Mosquitoes and bugs also tend to gravitate towards dark colours, so don up in light color clothing. Never a bettr time to look happy and bright!
Mosquito repellents are extremely helpful. But if that doesn’t stop them and your child gets bitten, try to get them not to scratch. Apply a tea towel with ice to the area before its starts worsening.
5. Avoid food poisoning: As we said, outdoor picnics and barbecues are irresistible in the summer. How do you live without them? Not that you have to, just take some simple steps to make sure food poisoning doesn’t get into the system of your family or child.
First up, make sure whatever you are consuming is peeled and cooked thoroughly. Strict hand hygiene is of paramount importance. Wash hands and sanitize them before handling food. Don't leave food lying around or consume food that has been left out for long. Open buffets and picnics are the primary source of food spoiling and infection. Check and recheck everything your child eats.
At VHMA, we ensure children are fed fresh food, cooked in sterile, regulated kitchens.
In addition to all this, keep a First Aid Kit always near your hand, for any complications that may still arise. Here is a list of important things to keep in it:
Antibiotic cream for cuts and scrapes
Bandages
Benadryl
Epi-pen for a person with known allergies
Hats and sunglasses
Icepack for bruises
Insect repellent
Medications for chronic conditions
Sun protection
Tweezers