As a parent, you undoubtedly understand the importance of sun protection for your kids. However, explaining sun safety to them, and ensuring that they always use sunscreen and other forms of sun protection, can be a challenge even if your children have suffered from sunburn in the past. For kids, concepts such as poor eye health and skin cancer can be difficult to comprehend, so it may feel like you are simply nagging when you insist they wear shades and use sunscreen.
To help you out, we have compiled this list of ideas to teach your kids about sun safety and the importance of protecting their eyes and skin all year round.
- Act as a role model. Kidspot says rather than simply telling your kids to be sun smart, set an example yourself by wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen every time you head outdoors.
- Yahoo! Voices suggests incorporating sun safety in everyday conversations. This is much easier than you may think; for example, you can check the weather forecast together, talk about what type of clothing would be the most appropriate for the day. You can also discuss how animals and plants protect themselves from the sun to make it more interesting for younger kids.
- Throw a sun safe party. This recommendation from the Department of Health of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is an ideal way to make sun safety fun while educating your kids and their friends. The Department of Health has a great range of games, activities, and ideas you can use.
- Also, Yahoo! Voices reminds us to teach with visual aid. Older kids will enjoy partaking in science experiments and other activities that let them discover the power of the sun for themselves. You could cook an egg with the sun’s heat in the summer, make solar s’mores, or use sun sensitive products, such as special types of paper, fabric, and beads, to create works of art.
Remember that you can find sunglasses to suit your kids’ active lifestyles and keep them safe from the sun through Real Kids Shades. Our shades offer 100% protection from UV rays and come in a variety of styles and colors! Visit our website to purchase a pair or find a retailer near you.