5 Ways to Keep Kids Cool in the Summer Heat

Texas heat can be,

how should I say it? Doggone sweltering! But Texas heat during a power outage is just plain mean. I wish my very first blog post was not inspired by Hurricane Beryl, but here we are. Today marks the fifth day that many are without power in mid-July. It seems irresponsible to write about anything other than the truth of what our Texas neighbors are facing. Arm in arm let's provide positive, encouraging support from one parent to another. Mom to mom, here are 5 ways to keep your kids cool in the smack-dab heat of the day, when the air inside the house is hotter than the air outside!

1. Play water games

Playing in the water on a hot summer day is a core memory of mine. The simplest games with just a few household items can make for the funnest memories, even in the aftermath of a crisis!

• play in the water sprinkler: Running in and out of the water sprinkler is the simplest form of play I can think of. But to add an element of fun, have a dance party in the sprinkler!
• fill your cup: Give each person a cup to fill using the water from the sprinkler. The first person to fill their cup to the top wins the right to pour the contents on someone else's head, or their own! To make it more challenging, place the cup away from the sprinkler. Then soak a sponge or washcloth in the sprinkler water and run to fill the cup by squeezing the water-filled sponge over the cup. Make it a race!

2. ENTICE them with water

Staying hydrated in summertime heat is a must! Encourage hydration by making their water intake more fun.

• fun straws: Silly straws, crazy straws, or straws of different colors, shapes, and sizes are a new way to make drinking water a little more interesting.
• fun cups: Like fun straws, fun cups are another way to encourage hydration.
• water-dense fruit: If you can safely get to an open store during a power outage, consider picking up some water-dense fruits and veggies. These include watermelon, oranges, lemons, and grapes. You can add the fruit to a cup of water or include it in a salad for lunch or a snack. Fruits and veggies are a great way to get water, vitamins, and antioxidants.

3. give them a water chore

Kids love washing things if it means they get to play in the water! For older kids, have them help you wash your car. Make it more play than a chore by squirting each other with the water hose! And for the littles, have them wash their toys such as riding toys and sand toys.

4. fan talk

As a child, I remember standing in front of a fan and making funny sounds as I talked into it. This is a silly way to stay cool in the breeze, but be sure to supervise young children, especially since their fingers are so small!

5. made in the shade

As the day comes to an end and the evening offers tolerable temperatures, a shade tree and blanket for sitting on is a great backdrop for reflection and a family meeting. This slow pace is something most of us are not used to, but allow the time and space be an opportunity to connect with your family on a bonding level. Tell stories, look for unique findings in nature, express gratitude for the simple pleasures and small blessings of the day.

Conclusion

Your kids will remember the good moments you created in the aftermath of a storm, not the unpleasantries of the aftermath itself. While your camera roll may reveal the mess after a storm, may it also reveal the time you made the absolute best of the situation for your family. Documenting the fun moments you created will be something you treasure upon looking back on a time such as this.

XO,

Amy Marie