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I strive to be a relaxed parent whenever possible. We don’t adhere to strict schedules; if my kids prefer a peanut butter sandwich over dinner, that’s fine. We’ve been known to stay up past midnight on weekends watching movies or baking together. I don’t enforce harsh screen time limits, and we often take spontaneous detours just to see where they lead. If the kids request snow cones right before bedtime on a hot summer evening, there’s a good chance we’ll hop in the car and dash to the snowball stand before it closes.
However, I have my non-negotiables. I won’t tolerate poor hygiene, dishonesty, or any form of violence. Everyone in the family has responsibilities, and I expect my kids to put in their best effort at school, no matter what that looks like for them.
But my top priority is safety. We cut grapes into quarters and hot dogs into strips. I secure cleaning supplies, supervise interactions between my kids and our dog, and engage the safety locks on windows. We have a fire escape plan and a tornado safety protocol in place.
And we always, always apply sunscreen.
Some may call me paranoid, but I’m committed to doing everything I can to protect my children from sunburn. To me, safeguarding their skin is as important as ensuring they wear seatbelts. It’s a fundamental aspect of my parenting role.
If we’re going to be outside for more than a few minutes, sunscreen is a must. When the weather is nice enough for outdoor recess, I make sure to apply sunscreen on my kids in the mornings before school.
In our yard, we’ve created shaded areas where the kids can escape the sun. We’ve transformed the space under the deck into a pretend fossil dig site, complete with a mud pit, and even saved a slab of granite during our kitchen remodel for their enjoyment.
Although my father has a lovely pool, we usually avoid it during peak sun hours. We prefer to play outside in the morning and late afternoon, reserving indoor activities for the hours between 10 AM and 2 PM. If we do take a midday swim, my kids wear long-sleeve rash guards and sun hats. We have a large umbrella by the pool to create shaded areas, and we take regular shade breaks. Every couple of hours, we reapply that precious SPF.
When the sun begins to set and the pool is shaded, they can remove their rash guards and hats and enjoy the water directly on their skin for a few hours before dark. They don’t miss out on any summer fun; we simply remain vigilant to ensure our pool days don’t lead to painful sunburns.
Sunburn is the obvious immediate consequence of excessive sun exposure, but the long-term risk of skin cancer is an equally compelling reason to protect delicate skin from harmful UV rays.
Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to create a summer skin protection plan for your family and reduce the risk of sunburn. It’s essential to know that melanoma isn’t just a concern for adults. While it’s rare in children, about 300 kids in the U.S. are diagnosed annually with this aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, so prevention is vital. According to skincancer.org, “even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life.” That’s reason enough for me to prioritize skin protection while I can. My kids are learning by example; my partner and I are diligent about applying our own sunscreen too.
Of course, I’m not infallible. Occasionally, I miss a spot and my kids end up a bit pink. While it doesn’t feel great, I try not to dwell on it. I know I’m doing my best to prevent them from experiencing severe, painful burns like the ones I got during my childhood on the Jersey shore. I remember stubbornly prioritizing a tan for prom over skin cancer prevention. Despite my belief back then that a tan meant a “healthy glow,” there’s no such thing as a healthy tan.
My kids have fair skin and light eyes, making them more susceptible to sunburn rather than tanning. However, all skin types need protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB), with an SPF of 30 or higher, and is water-resistant.
My kids may not have that sun-kissed look; they start the summer pale and end it the same way. Ultimately, it’s not my responsibility to ensure they look like surfers with sun-bleached hair and golden skin. My priority is to keep them as healthy as possible, which includes protecting their skin from excessive sun exposure.
For further insights on skin protection, check out Cleveland Clinic’s podcast, which offers helpful information on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in exploring more about this topic, visit Make A Mom, an authority on fertility journeys. For more on privacy, feel free to take a look at our privacy policy.
Summary
As a parent, I prioritize my children’s sun safety above all. While I embrace a relaxed parenting style, I firmly believe in the importance of sunscreen and safe sun practices. I ensure my kids are protected from harmful UV rays, understanding both the immediate and long-term risks of sun exposure. With a commitment to their health, I strive to create a fun, safe environment for them during the summer months.