We're right in the middle of summer. The days are definitely long, hot and lazy and the beach is the playground of the children. We luckily live a quiet 5 minute walk from our golden sands in the south of Sweden, so beaching is our lifestyle in the summer months.
I've learned to sun cream the children at least 20 minutes before heading off to the beach. This allows time for the cream to really sink into their skin and get to work before the sun's rays do. Always a minimum of factor 25.
I have noticed most of my friends children are a beautiful golden brown, a light tan that looks gloriously healthy. Whilst my chidren are as blond and pale as can be with rosy faces and a pink glow only from running around and playing football or hockey. But I also know the potential problems they will face later in life if I don't look after their skin now.
And it is my responsibility. They don't understand the effects of the sun. But they do understand my rules. "I know, I know, mom, sunhats on and never without cream. And I won't go out of your sight on the beach or in the water without you." Rules I have nagged into them over the past 2 years when they have become old enought to understand, yet still too young to take any kind of responsiblity themselves.
I've never really understood parents who let their children get a sun tan. Visible color is damage, no matter whether it looks good on the surface. And when I see it on toddlers and youngsters I wonder why. There's really no excuse for not applying a sunscreen. I am quite certain a 4 or 5 year old doesn't care one bit if they look bronzed or not for a few months of the year. So it's down to the parents. I can't believe they don't care so it must be plain ignorance about the true effect of sun damage to a child's skin. The consequences later in life. The fear of skin conditions and worse, skin cancer.
Hey, I'm not some kind of super, know-it-all mom who claims to have the cracked the art of perfect parenting. But for me, taking care of a child's skin during sunny weather, is as easy as it gets. Going ito a pharmacy and asking for the best child's suncare lotion of a factor 25, 30 or 35, or as high as it gets is a piece of cake. That's all it takes.
So, we avoid the midday sun, either heading out early or after a late lunch, and my kids are comfortable and sunburn-free the whole summer. Pale - but beautiful and with skin as healthy as it was the day they were born.
<< Sponsor >>
As seen in Oprah’s Magazine!