Hot Fun In The Summertime!

This is the first summer I can remember in years that followed on the heels of a very sunny spring. It promises to keep on being bright and warm through the end of the season. As the weather heats up and we strip off layers, here at Kidsapce we start slathering on the sunscreen and pulling out the water tables on the playground. Infants play in the sandbox on the shaded deck. We make sure to offer water to the children more frequently and ensure everyone is keeping well hydrated on hot days.

As our families launch into summer mode its good to be aware of the effects of heat and sun. You may have heard recently that a mom at Coe Elementary briefly left her preschooler in a locked car out front while dropping off her older child to class. She returned to find a man trying the doors of the car and her child very upset. That's one reason not to ever leave a child unattended in a car. Another reason in the warm months is the grave danger a child is exposed to being shut up in a hot vehicle for even a short amount of time. In Seattle it is actually illegal to leave children unattended in a vehicle, but only following that law will prevent hazards and tragedies. Infants are especially sensitive, and all children and the elderly are much more vulnerable to heat than the average adult. So on warm days, as rare as it seems to us Seattlites, it's time to turn on the A/C or roll down the windows when driving, try to keep children out of direct sunlight when traveling long distances, and load a few extra water bottles into the car.

Everyday summer gear to remember:  children benefit from wearing sunglasses, sunscreen, wide brimmed hats, protective "get wet" sandals, long sleeve t-shirts when no sunscreen is available, and limiting their time in the heat. Remember if you are near the water the reflective light can get under those sun hats and burn unprotected infant skin.

Need a place to beat the heat with the kids? Take advantage of the public libraries all over Seattle. All are air conditioned and a great place to spend pleasant afternoons with your kids. You can get a library passport at any branch then your child can get it stamped at every branch you visit (there are 26 to explore!).  The city also has wonderful beaches, pools, and kid-friendly water features at many parks. This link lists all of them with hours of operation: http://parkways.seattle.gov/2013/06/28/beat-the-heat-at-seattle-parks-beaches-pools-wading-pools-and-spray-parks/   And we hope to see you at Kidsapce's own pool party Saturday July 27 at 7:00 at Pop Munger Pool in Magnolia.

Hope you have fun in the sun!