School is out, and nannies across the country are already tired of hearing their charges complain about being bored. Here are a few summer activities to help them get out of the house and the protective gear that will help them stay safe:
Go bike riding
A bike ride is a great way for kids to stay active and explore their environment, and a ride in the neighborhood is a good way for you to bond with them. Everybody should wear a bike helmet for head protection and sunglasses to protect against glare. Also, have the kids pack replacement lenses in case their sunglass lenses crack. The lenses can easily fit in a small backpack or in their bike basket. This will help keep the sun rays out of your kids’ eyes while they are enjoying their bike ride.
Go swimming
Who can resist pool time in the summer? Get the kids together with friends and play games like Marco Polo and Sharks and Minnows. Sunscreen is a must for pool time, and also kids who wear contacts should keep a spare pair handy in their swim bag. Sometimes chlorine can irritate eyes and a contact might slip out of their hands — having a backup pair of lenses will help the fun continue.
A hike or trail walk
Try to find a hiking trail or a cool walk in your neighborhood or close by. You can lace up your tennis shoes and learn about flowers, various plants and experience sunrises or sunsets, depending on the time that you venture out. It is important for kids and adult to stay hydrated. Come equipped with a water bottle to prevent dehydration.
A boating adventure
Drive to a local lake or join a water excursion. Since this adventure might result in many hours in the sun, a practical way to protect kids from sun is to wear sun hats. Having a hat with a wide brim will protect their heads, necks, faces and ears from the sun. Make sure it’s light and well-ventilated, so the kids don’t sweat as much.
A beach vacation
If their parents are taking them to the beach and you’re going along, great — this is a way for kids to explore the water, build sand castles, swim and collect sea shells as they walk along the shore line. When they are in and out of the water, have them wear UV protective clothing to effectively keep the sun rays from damaging their skin. It only takes five minutes to damage your skin from UV rays. Why take the chance? UV protective clothing also provides protection for your entire body, with hats, pants and full-length shirts. Although sun screen does protect you, it isn’t foolproof. The clothing will provide additional protection all day and eliminates thinking about whether you remembered to reapply your sun screen.
Kids will have so many summer activities that will keep them out of the house. Nannies should help them be smart about the sun and make certain they are wearing the protective gear that will help keep them safe.
While I completely agree that kids need to get out of the house and do physical activities, I disagree with doing so just because a child says, “I’m bored.” Too many children now days do not know how to self entertain. Getting bored and figuring out what to do about by onesself is very important life skill and too many parents and nannies are rushing in to “solve the problem” without first letting the kids try to find something to do. I am currently having this issue with my bosses. They are trying to over schedule both children, who then get stressed about it. Plus, the 4 yr old can entertain herself, because I insist on it and has never not been doing something creative and imaginative. The 9 yr old however has always been entertained and now doesn’t know what to do with himself if he hasn’t got constant attention, has no imaginative skills, and expects, quite litterally, to be “entertained”! So please, let children get “bored” this summer, you will be doing them a huge favor!!!