Everyone loves summer.
So much is packed into those few months, and you want them to be great.
And most of the time they are.
But all that hot summer weather sometimes gets the better of you (and your kids).
…the heat just zaps your energy and you just want to lie around with a cold drink and a good book and take it easy.
Problem is, your kids still need you to be attentive and responsive.
You still need to be energetic, even if you don’t have the energy.
The heat can make kids uncomfortable and grouchy. They (like you) can get easily frustrated and have little patience.
And the worse they feel, the more they want your attention. And if they’re little, they want you to make them feel better.
It’s not surprising that tempers sometimes flare in hot weather.
So what can you do to prevent flare-ups and meltdowns?
Take care of everyone’s basic physical needs
And most importantly :
KEEP EVERYONE WELL HYDRATED
Heat dehydrates everyone, and the more active you are, the more dehydrated you become.
Dehydration causes a variety of symptoms that make everyone miserable, including:
• dry mouths
• fatigue
• headaches
• muscle aches
• hunger
• lack of mental clarity
• low and/or dark urine output – easy to see if your kids are in diapers
It’s amazing how magical a drink of water can be to help everyone feel better.
Make a point of having water easily accessible all day to everyone in the family. Keep some in the fridge with a few slices of lime, lemon or cucumber in it.
Make some decaffeinated lightly flavoured herbal tea to keep in the fridge or carry some with you in an insulated water container.
Give your kids sippy cups or water bottles to keep with them as they play. Older kids can use hydration packs.
Home-made real juice popsicles satisfy thirst and provide nutritious energy.
Take non-sugary drinks with you everywhere you go, and insist that everyone (kids and adults) drink throughout the day.
DO NOT try to limit breastfeeding needs during hot weather. Breastfeeding babies will naturally want to nurse more to keep them adequately hydrated. Babies instinctively know
that they need the increased fluid and nutrition that breastfeeding offers. They do not need supplemental water. Even babies who live in the desert get enough water from breastmilk.
MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS WELL FED
Hunger also results in short tempers. Be sure to remember to feed everyone good, wholesome nutritious food.
Many parents find that “meltdowns” occur when their kids are hungry.
Smaller more frequent meals or snacks can be better in the heat.
Some ice cream is great, but limit the candy and pop. They provide a short energy burst that is followed by a crash. And you don’t want anymore crashes in the hot weather!
Besides junk foods offer no nutritional value.
There are so many great and delicious fresh fruits and vegetables available in the summer.
Frozen cut-up fruit makes a perfect refreshing snack at home.
Blueberries, fresh or frozen, are super nutritious and keep little fingers busy. (Don’t be frightened by “blueberry poop”. It’s natural after eating lots of blueberries)
MAKE SURE EVERYONE GETS ENOUGH REST AND SLEEP
The heat can keep anyone awake, so be sure your kids aren’t overdressed, and that they have air circulation in their rooms. Keep fans on (air conditioners on low if you have them) and, if they are old enough for covers, light sheets if they want them.
If you can, sleep outside and go backyard or deck camping. Fun for everyone.
If your kids are still napping, take advantage of it and have a short nap yourself. You’ll feel much better.
If your kids don’t nap, organize some quiet time for reading or quiet play in the shade or indoors during the hottest time of the day.
Summers are so busy that they often feel so short. Be sure to enjoy them as best you can. The better everyone feels, the more patient you’ll be and the more fun everyone will have.
