Summer is most kids’ favorite time of the year. They have a wonderful long holiday from school, the weather is (usually!) blissfully warm and sunny, and they get to enjoy all sorts of fun days out at the beach, park, and other exciting places. As parents, there are plenty of steps you can take to prepare for the summer and help your children have the best possible time this year – even if you’re not planning on going abroad. So grab a pair of sunglasses and an ice-cold drink, then read on for some top suggestions!
Get their wardrobe ready
As the weather starts to get warmer, it’s important to make sure you’ve got suitable clothing for your kids to wear. This sounds obvious, but little ones grow so quickly that they may well have gotten too big for last year’s summer clothes. It’s best to find this out in advance, and then you can go shopping in advance of any heatwaves.
The specific items of clothing you’ll want to stock up on will, of course, depend on the age of your child; however, the following can be a helpful guide:
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breathable t-shirts
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vest tops
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shorts
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skirts
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swimsuit
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cropped trousers
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sandals
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lightweight trainers
If your child is old enough, take them shopping with you and have them pick out the colours and designs they like the most. Don’t forget that you can always order online instead if it’s difficult for you to get to the shops in person. Lightweight and breathable fabrics are best for keeping kids cool, as well as loose-fitting clothing that allows air to circulate.
Prioritize sun safety
One of the most important issues to consider during the summer is keeping kids safe in the sun. This is just as true at home as when you travel abroad. Children often like to spend lots of time outside during hot and sunny weather and don’t always realise the dangers of prolonged sun exposure. Your skin is more delicate and sensitive when you’re young, so it’s even more important to ensure little ones are protected. Here’s what you can do:
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Ensure children always wear sun cream when they go outside. Use a minimum SPF 50 and 4 stars for UVA protection, and reapply it every couple of hours – and immediately after swimming
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Keep babies and toddlers in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (11am-3pm), and encourage older children to stay out of direct sunlight at this time too
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Get kids to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes (look out for the CE and British Standard marks that show they’re good quality)
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Dress kids in loose, lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and trousers to keep their skin covered without overheating
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Ensure kids wear a wide-brimmed sun hat that provides extra protection for their face and neck
Plan some fun activities
With kids having so much free time in the summer holidays, it’s useful to plan some fun activities, outdoor play, and family adventures to keep them entertained. There are almost endless possibilities here, but some of the best include:
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Day trip to the beach
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Picnic in the park
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Visiting a theme park or local funfair
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Walking in the forest
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Playdates with friends
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Treasure hunt or obstacle course in the garden
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Lawn games and sports
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Checking out local events in your town
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Water fights in the garden
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Bike rides
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Family BBQs
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Exploring the sights of a new city
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Camping out in the garden and stargazing
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Heading to the local library and checking out some new books
Rainy weather? No problem! Try visiting some kid-friendly museums, baking sweet treats like cookies at home, having arts and crafts days, playing board games, or having a movie marathon. The only limit is your imagination!
