Summer Tips for kids!!!

Its summer time ...its vacation time, masti time and its time for sick kids and worried moms. Hence its time to take extra care!!!!!

Here is a list of my 7 summer tips for all worried moms:

1) It’s important for the kids to remain hydrated but its not that simple with kids right? It is correct to assume that kids will not willingly drink as much water as required by the body specially during summers. Some ways to enhance water/liquid consumption are:

a.Summer fruits. .Replace one of the snack break with high water content fruits like Water melom, muskmelon, grapes etc. High in water and kids favourite. Other High water content food includes cucumber, tomato, carrots, beet etc.

b. Cold soups (A lot of easy recipes available with my dear friend google)

c. Frequent water breaks during playtime: Yes moms it is an absolute must. All play times must be interrupted after every 30 min for a water break. ....It can be just a sip of water forced down his throat....and one of the breaks can be a Mama’s special cooling squash.

d.   Icecreams, popsicles, kulfis...yess these help but make sure to NOT serve them directly from the fridge. Some the tricks that I do with Ice-cream  are:

• Let it wait out a few minutes after taking out from the freezer and mix room temperature yoghurt with it, it improves the texture and makes it more creamy
• You can also add cut fruits and fresh cream and whip it a little 
• Make Popsicle from fruit juices (Favorite is Watermelon....I add different colored jellys to it)
• Quick kulfi: Mix milk with any jam, jelly, fresh fruit pulp. Add a little roohafza and freeze it in moulds.

       2) Meals: Normal meals for Indian kids are high in fat and calorie content which is more difficult to digest during summers. Make sure to include easy to digest and light meals like khichdi, curd rice etc specially during lunch . Ghee can be reduced or if possible replaced with light cooking oil. Avoid spices.  Morning milk can be replaced with slightly diluted milkshakes (Preferably without cream).

3) Avoid outdoor plays during afternoons. Afternoon siesta can be followed by some fun and learn activities @ home (Best step out only before 10 am or post 5 pm)

4) Invest in good Sunscreen for kids: Its expensive but important....yes invest in a high SPF content sunscreen for kids. Chose from the options available in market which are designed especially for kids. I highly recommend ChiccoSun spray“. (I bought from firstcry.com)

5) Indoors dress your kids lightly: Cottons are best during summer and when playing indoors its best to dress them down or dress minimally.

6) Outdoors: Cover your kids. Make sure to cover hands, legs and exposed skin. Make sure to use only one layer clothes. Also if kids are comfortable make them wear hats and sunglasses. Again invest in good quality sunglasses.

7) Apply Mosquito repellent: There are a lot of safe options available in market (I recommend time tested Odomos). Apply generously on open body parts but avoid eyes and palms (I apply more on clothes than skin because the sole purpose is to use the odour on body). 

And last but not the least...In addition to the above precautions don't forget to add lots of fun, masti, laughter and special mom's magic to the vacation....Lets build memories :-)