It takes between two months to a year to get used to a new habit or routine. That’s a long time, and it also doesn’t take into account hiccups in consistency like you’ll get when you try to get your kids used to a new habit.
That’s why it’s actually really important to start many summertime habits right now. This way, they will be practiced and natural come spring and summer. Not only that, but some of these tips are actually very important all year round, meaning there’s no time like the present to get them started on these healthy spring and summer habits:
Wearing Sunscreen
One of the most important things that you can do is to teach the importance of sunscreen and to engrain wearing sunscreen when they go outside. Sunscreen is important even if the day is cloudy, because although the clouds can block out the warmth and much of the light from the sun, they don’t stop the harmful UV rays.
Wearing sunscreen protects your skin from damage and reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. Good habits as kids can help them stay healthier, and they will thank you a thousand times over when they are older, and their sunscreen habits work to keep their skin beautiful and fresh looking.
Wearing Sunglasses
Children need to wear sunglasses when outside for the same reason that they need to wear sunscreen – UV light damage. Children are actually less capable of blocking out UV radiation from passing through their eyes than adults are because the lenses in their eyes aren’t yet fully developed. Getting kids sunglasses and sunglass savers (the string that connects the glasses so they don’t fall off) will help your kids have fun and protect their eyes. You can learn more online about the conditions and problems caused by UV light in the eyes, and pass on the information to your kids so they know how important it is to protect their eyes and to not look at the sun directly.
With so many cool styles you shouldn’t have a problem convincing your kids that they should wear sunglasses – just make sure that theirs, and your own glasses, have a UV light filter to effectively protect your eyes.
Bring and Drink Lots of Water
Good hydration habits are important to start early. Give your kids a reusable water bottle to take with them to school and try to get them used to drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day. Try not to replace water with sugary drinks, however, as this can cause
more harm than good. Juice is a great option – in moderation. Primarily, you’ll want your kids drinking water.
Wearing the Right Gear
Hats are so important! The best part is that you can get them used to this essential summer habit right now by encouraging hat use in winter. They’ll stay healthier and warmer throughout the winter and build up the habit of putting on a hat before they go out by the time summer comes around and the sun is at its hottest.
