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I strive to be a relaxed mom whenever possible. We don’t adhere to strict schedules, and if my kids aren’t fond of what I’ve cooked for dinner, they can have a peanut butter sandwich instead. We’ve been known to stay up until midnight on weekends enjoying movies, baking, or just having fun. I don’t impose harsh screen time limits, and we often follow our whims, explore new streets, and enjoy the outdoors—even when it’s raining. If my kids request snow cones just before bedtime on a hot summer evening, there’s a good chance we’ll hop in the car and dash to get some before the shop closes.
However, I’m not carefree all the time. There are certain boundaries I won’t budge on. In our home, there’s no tolerance for poor hygiene, dishonesty, or hitting. Each child has their responsibilities, and I expect them to put forth their best effort in school, whatever that may look like for them.
My top priority, though, is ensuring their safety. We cut grapes into quarters and slice hot dogs into strips. I secure cleaning supplies, supervise interactions between my kids and our dog, and engage window safety locks. We have a fire escape plan and a tornado safety routine in place.
And above all, we never skip sunscreen.
Some may label me as paranoid, but I’m committed to protecting my kids from sunburn. Safeguarding their skin is as essential to me as ensuring they wear seatbelts. It’s a crucial part of my role as a parent.
Whenever we venture outside for more than a few minutes, sunscreen is a must. On sunny mornings, I apply it to my kids before school. We’ve even transformed parts of our yard into sun-safe zones, such as a pretend fossil dig under the deck, complete with a mud pit and a slab of granite my kids requested during our kitchen remodel.
My father has a lovely pool, but we avoid peak sun hours. We enjoy outdoor activities in the morning and late afternoon and keep indoor plans for the midday hours of 10 AM to 2 PM. If we do swim during those hours, my children wear long-sleeve rash guards and sun hats, and we have a large umbrella we can reposition for shade. We take breaks from the water every couple of hours to reapply that precious SPF.
When the sun begins to set and the pool is shaded, they can finally remove their rash guards and hats and enjoy splashing around in the water with their skin exposed. They don’t miss out on any summer fun; we just make sure our pool days don’t lead to painful sunburns.
While sunburn is the most immediate consequence of too much sun exposure, the long-term risk of skin cancer is just as serious. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an ideal time to consider your family’s summer skin protection strategy.
It’s important to note that melanoma isn’t just a concern for adults. Although rare, approximately 300 children annually in the U.S. are diagnosed with this dangerous skin cancer. Melanoma can spread to other body parts, making prevention vital. According to skincancer.org, “even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life.” That’s more than enough reason for me to prioritize sun safety while I still have influence. Plus, my husband and I model good behavior by applying our own sunscreen diligently.
Of course, I’m not infallible. Occasionally, I miss a spot, and my kids end up with a little pink skin. While I don’t like it, I try to avoid feeling guilty. I know I’m doing my best to protect them from the painful blistering burns I experienced during childhood on the Jersey shore and during my stubborn teenage years when I prioritized tanning for prom over health. I used to believe a tan equated to a “healthy glow,” but there’s really no such thing as a healthy tan.
My kids have fair skin and light eyes, making them more susceptible to sunburn rather than a tan. However, all skin types need protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB rays), with an SPF of 30 or higher, and that is water-resistant.
My kids may not be tanned and sun-kissed; they remain pale at the start of summer and even at the end. My priority isn’t to ensure they look like surfers with sun-bleached hair and golden skin; it’s to keep them as healthy as possible, which includes protecting their skin from excessive sun exposure.
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In summary, while I strive to be a flexible and understanding parent, my commitment to sun safety is unwavering. I believe that protecting my children’s skin is as crucial as any other parental responsibility, ensuring they can enjoy their childhood without the risk of painful burns or long-term health consequences.