Summer Safety Reminders from Your Favorite Henson Friends!
by Holly Myer
Summer is here! Trails are ready for hiking, campsites are prepped for visitors, pools are calling for swimmers, and sand castles are just waiting to be built.
As we gear up to get outdoors and be active, Sid the Science Kid and friends want us to remember that it’s important to stay safe out there! We can teach our families good practices and form good habits to protect our bodies from the elements. That way, we can keep the fun going all summer long!
The sun is the beautiful center of our universe, and its rays can have a powerful effect on our skin. Block harmful UV beams with plenty of sunscreen (reapply often!), wear loose-fitting light-colored clothing, and hang out in the shade under big trees, umbrellas, and fabulous hats! Try a simple sunblock experiment with Sid here.
HOT, HOT, HOT
Even when we’re not in direct sunlight, the summer heat can cause our body temperature to rise. Keep kids and adults hydrated with lots of water, and limit strenuous activities and super-active games by taking breaks to cool off. You can also try to schedule outdoor playtime in the morning or evening to avoid the warmest hours of the afternoon. Help Buddy and his friends stay hydrated by playing the Dinosaur Train game "Hydration Station."
Taking a dip in the pool or playing in natural waves? How refreshing! While playing in a pool, lake, or ocean, stay vigilant with toddlers, big kids, and even adults. For a fun way for the family to gain physical strength and safety smarts, swimming lessons are an excellent activity for all ages; even 6-month-old babies can start learning how to float and be comfortable in water. See kids enjoying the ocean for the very first time on Splash and Bubbles!
STOP BUGGING ME!
Though we love nature and respect our community critters, we don’t want bug bites to spoil our summer fun. Pesky mosquitoes and ticks can be kept away with repellent and by wearing long sleeves and pants, but grown-ups should still keep a watchful eye and check kids’ skin for bites and tricky bugs who might try to hitch a ride into the house.
Helping our kids learn to stay safe doesn’t have to be scary or take away from the fun of summertime activities. Teaching little ones about being careful is important, so when we model good behavior by taking precautions and following rules on the beach, at the pool, at the campground, and even in our own backyard, our kids will learn those values too.