Kids love the summer. It’s warm, and they can play outside without the fear of getting rained on. Not only that but because the sun doesn’t go down until late they can stay outside all day if they want. The problem here is keeping them cool and keeping them hydrated. You can’t watch over them all day long, so how do you make sure they don’t end up with heat exhaustion? Here are a few ideas to try out.
Water Bottles
Simple and easy. Get your kids personalized water bottles and fill them up before they go to play in the garden. They’ll at least have a drink around if they need it. If you don’t want just to give them plain water, add a little flavored cordial to the drink. Getting your kids actually to drink plain water is one of the hardest things about keeping them hydrated. Some kids might like it, but others can’t stand its plain taste. If they don’t like water even with added cordial, try juice instead.
Ice Balls
With an ice ball maker, you can make keeping them cool and hydrated a little more interesting. Just fill the mold up with the flavored water or fruit juice, and then stick it in the freezer for a few hours. Once they come out, they’ll be great just to stick in a drink. The kids can just suck theirs if they want to. The good thing about these is that when you cool your insides down, your body temperature will lower. If the kids are hot and tired after running around, an ice ball in their drink should help bring their core temperature down easily.
Ice Cream
Of course, you can’t forget this little treat on a summer’s day. It’s best not to break it out too often. The kids love it, but that’s the problem. Don’t give them too much, else they’ll be bouncing off the walls from the huge sugar rush. A good way to counteract the sugar rush effect is to give them the ice cream when they’re tired out. If they’ve been playing for hours, they’re likely going to have worn themselves out by the end. That’s when ice cream can help. It’ll pick them back up, but it won’t make them hyperactive.
Water Guns
A great way to play, but also a great way to keep cool. You know how you can splash your face with water to cool down? Same effect with water guns. Fill the guns up with water and let them play. They may be running around, but they’ll be splashing themselves with water and keeping themselves cool. If you want to join in, you can pick up a water gun yourself and join the battle. If you want to cheat a little, grab the hose and make the kids run from it.
Shade
A little shade goes a long way. Stick up a canopy or a table with an umbrella. It’ll give the kids somewhere to rest if they’re getting a little too hot. Not only that, but you could put the table and canopy to use if you have guests for a garden party in the future.
Sally Robinett
Tuesday 28th of July 2015
Where ca this canopy netting be puchased? Much nicer then I'm looking at! Please help!