When my children were young, I constantly helped them to apply sunscreen. It was always on my radar to slather, swim and repeat! I’d give them a large brimmed hat and some wacky race car sunglasses and voilà! they were protected and running around without a care in the world.

Now that my kids are growing into these young, private and independent teens, there is no way they’re letting me help to apply sunscreen…I mean NO way! They are much too concerned with fashion and fitting in. So what can we do to help protect them?

Well, first off, you can hope that by now you’ve instilled in them the importance and ways of sun protection (fingers crossed!). If you haven’t, it’s never too late for a refresher.

Start by making sure their stylin’ sunglasses have UV protection. Yes, even cheap ones will usually have UV protection, but check the label. Oh, and don’t forget to help them find those sunglasses (lol… seriously!)

Try to encourage them to stay in the shade, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Maybe suggest this is can be good old fashioned reading time. Also, try and find some pictures of celebrities in wide brimmed hats to show them just how cool it can be. Okay who’s kidding who, tell them to “just grab a hat, any hat!”

We want our kids to be safe in the sun, and we certainly don’t want to use the dangers as a reason to stay inside, so continue to encourage outdoor play. The weather is warm and it’s time to put those phones down! Let’s all get out and enjoy the sun (safely).

I would love to hear any tricks of the trade you have. Please share with us.

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For parenting information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.