When my kids were little, it seemed like the hottest, muggiest days of summer were when they needed the most snuggle-time.
It was also the time when I least wanted anyone or anything near me.
I don’t like to be “hot.” And I don’t like humidity. In fact, I can get rather cantankerous.
But, as a mom, what do you do when it’s hot, sticky, and the kids need extra attention?
- Get over yourself. Just because the weather is making you miserable doesn’t mean you get to make those around you miserable. My mom taught me a trick to quickly cool myself down: run your wrists under icy water for at least a minute. You’ll feel the cool instantly running through your body as your blood circulates. Now that you’re a little cooler, check your attitude. Today is a good day. Don’t ruin it with a lousy attitude.
- Find a way to get into some coolness. Have a kiddie pool? Fill it up, let the kids splash and play, put your feet in, or if you’re really daring, get in with the kids. No pool? Connect the outside hose, turn the nozzle to spray, crank up the water pressure, and shoot the hose into the air while the kids and you run under it. Got a sprinkler? Run through it with the kids. I bet you can’t keep from laughing. 😉
- Have ice cream for a meal. When I’m hot, I don’t want to eat anything heavy. Sure you and the kids need healthy stuff, like fruit and veggies, but why not have some fun in the heat and have ice cream for lunch or dinner? You can add fruit, nuts, or whatever to add to the festivities. Save the heavier food for days when it’s not so hot.
- Turn down the activity level for the day. When it’s hot, and I try to do a lot of physically taxing work, I get more cranky. Your kids do too. So, do what you need to do early in the day when it’s cooler, then take advantage of the weather and relax the pace.
- Drink lots of water. Your body and your kids’ bodies need more water when it’s hot. Sugary drinks don’t replenish your body like plain ol’ water. Want a taste treat? Add some sliced lemon and cucumber to the water, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then pour over ice in a glass. Delicious!
- Sit in the shade and read a story to your kids. Go ahead. Grab some blankets, spread ‘em out, flop down, and read to your kids. You’ll all experience closeness in a new way. Maybe even take an afternoon nap in that glorious shade.
It’s summer. Enjoy it with your kids. Capture the extraordinary moments in the ordinariness of today.
How else do you do to keep your kids and yourself cool during summer? Leave a comment below.
I support any post that advocates reading and ice cream!! 🙂 Great tips, mama! I agree with everything you said. Sometimes it takes a little extra time to be creative during the summer and all we want to do is be lazy and lounge. But these experiences make it all worth it! Thanks for sharing!!
I like frozen grapes and so do the kids! I also support ice-cream as a meal. Water balloons and the sprinklers are a favorite as well. Good reminder to slow down and just enjoy the hot days…they are an excuse to rest!
Great tips. I agree I don’t like being too hot and feel bad when I tell my daughter I don’t want to hold her because it is too hot. We focus our summer plans around water. The pool, the beach, the boat, even the hose. I agree ice cream has been a daily indulgence.