My kids and I are like vampires. We certainly don’t shimmer in the sunlight; instead, we embody the ghostly complexion of cave dwellers who’ve been deprived of sunlight for centuries.
I hail from Eastern Europe, near the Tatra Mountains, while my partner, Alex, has roots in England and Scotland. Our heritage is decidedly pale. Once, during a dorm contest, my Irish boyfriend and I went head-to-head in a “pale skin” showdown – he had a freckled, milky complexion but ultimately, I emerged victorious by unanimous vote. Alex, on the other hand, has the peculiar tan lines reminiscent of a summer spent outdoors, with shades across his wrists and nose from his sunglasses.
My kids? Yeah, they were destined for a pasty life. All three of them emerged as bright red, squawking little sausages, maintaining their rosy hue throughout their newborn stage before finally lightening up around six months. Being winter babies, that transformation coincided with early summer. Cue my mini panic, which translated to a shopping spree. Back then, Mini Boden was the only brand offering rash guards and pants, so I stocked up. At the beach, my kids were more covered than they were at church.
As they grew, I amassed a collection of Mini Boden swimwear that got handed down from one boy to the next. My youngest two still sport them on occasion. I’ve eased up a bit now; my oldest can occasionally wear regular swim shorts while kayaking, but he’s still required to don a long-sleeved rash guard – in the South Carolina summer heat, no less. For us, swimming often involves more clothing, not less.
All my little sausages were also born bald, and it took ages for them to sprout hair – at least a year each. Thus, I found myself either slathering sunscreen on their bare heads or making them wear hats. What if I missed an ear? Since none of the kids were diving into the water, they often just played in the sand, sporting hats that weren’t too hot. I opted for straw fedoras from Target, and once I saw how adorable they looked, there was no going back. Hats became a requirement – if they didn’t want to wear them, they were sent indoors. We ended up with an impressive assortment of children’s hats, from gray to straw to blue dinosaur prints. Baseball caps were a no-go, as they didn’t provide sufficient shade for their necks. Over time, they accepted the hats as a necessary burden, even if my eldest constantly grumbles about the itching. Now, my three-year-old sports a fedora everywhere he goes. “It’s so cute!” people exclaim. He knows the deal: wear the hat or face a trip back inside.
And don’t get me started on sunscreen! I have to cover every inch of them, including their hands and legs, and especially their feet. If I neglect to apply sunscreen there, they end up with painful sandal marks. So, we slather on sunscreen for their feet, backs, and sides. I’m that mom who insists on buying water shoes from Target instead of reusing last year’s sandals. If they choose to go barefoot, they better have the sense to stay out of direct sunlight.
We apply sunscreen a full 20 minutes before heading outside, a practice that surely makes me the biggest, palest, helicopter mom in the universe. I’m unbothered. We use the no-fragrance, no-parabens, as-natural-as-possible sunscreen designed for babies, despite its hefty price tag. If I’m lathering them up multiple times a day, I feel better opting for the more natural route. We also stick with SPF 60+ because, according to Dr. Steven Q. Wang, MD, from the Skin Cancer Foundation’s “Ask an Expert,” the difference above SPF 50 is minimal, but I prefer the peace of mind that comes with the higher number.
Once the kids are sorted, it’s my turn. I depend on my face moisturizer and makeup for sun protection. I wear a long-sleeved cover-up over my swimsuit and make sure to apply sunscreen up to my bikini line and between my toes. After all, there’s nothing worse than having the straps of your sandals burnt into your feet. Last summer, I managed to end up with just one tan line – on the back of my neck. This year, I’m determined to keep my skin flawless and pale all summer long.
I wish I could tan; I admire how it looks, stretch marks and all. However, with a dad who’s had numerous melanomas removed and a grandfather-in-law with the same history, I’m well aware of the risks associated with too much sun exposure. This worry is evident in my children’s genes, too. I refuse to let them develop melanoma because I didn’t take the time to protect their ears, so I’m unapologetically vigilant when it comes to sun safety. They’ve never been burned, and as long as I’m around, I’ll ensure it stays that way.
For more insights on the topic, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
In this humorous take on parenting, Clara Jennings likens her family to vampires, emphasizing their fair complexions and the lengths she goes to for sun protection. From sun hats to high-SPF sunscreen, Clara’s vigilant methods ensure her kids stay safe from sunburn while maintaining their pale skin. As she navigates summer outings, her quirky anecdotes reveal the challenges and joys of raising sun-sensitive children.