5 Ways to Inspire Your Child to Use Sunscreen
In the warmer months of the year, children spend a plethora of time outdoors. Whether playing sports, attending swim class, riding bicycles or hiking a trail at summer camp—they spend numerous hours in the sun. Which is understandable: children adore playing games with one another, interacting. When it comes to being responsible at a young ate, most kids are less inclined to understand the health benefits of brushing teeth, washing hands and applying sunscreen. Skin cancer and melanoma are concepts that aren’t a part of a child’s vernacular. The fact that they are less inclined to desire the use of sunscreen is also understandable.
We formulated a list of ways to improve the process of applying sunscreen on children. You may find these tips quite useful the next time you and your child prepare for outdoor activities:
1. Play music
The process of applying sunscreen on children is typically 5 to 6 minutes long. This averages the length of about 2 songs. An educational study shows that instrumental, easy-listening music has a positive effect on a child’s on-task performance (OTP). If a child perceives something as a responsibility, he or she will be less inclined to perform it. However, accompanying the act of putting on sunscreen while playing background music may help motivate your child complete this task.
2. Use toys.
Use Toys. Incorporating toys into a child’s daily routines will bring forth enthusiasm. As a motivational exercise, children can roll or toss an inflatable beach ball to one another. This is convenient because it requires kids to stand, making it simpler for you to apply sunscreen on their skin where necessary.
3. Turn it into a game.
Word association games are ideal. They are easy to learn, exciting, don’t involve a lot of movement and can even prove educational.
It is also sensible to bear in mind the methods of proper sunscreen application:
Mineral-based Sunscreens:
Apply 1/2 inch dots of sunscreen about 1 inch apart and gently massage into the skin until all whitening disappears, leaving the skin feeling silky and smooth. Be sure to apply to all exposed parts of the body.
Ultra Sport Stick:
When applying the Sport Stick, apply directly from the stick to face, lips and sensitive or hard-to-reach areas needing protection. Rub in well until all whitening disappears.
Quick Drying Spray:
For body use, apply a few short sprays to produce a mist, then rub in until dry. Avoid spraying on or near clothes as some fabrics may stain. When applying the Quick Dry Body Spray to the face, spray on the palms and rub into exposed areas, avoiding the eyes, inside of mouth and inside of the nose.
4. Turn it into a party.
Network with the parents of your child’s peers, teammates and classmates. If it is routine that a group of children will be spending shared time in the sun, a good idea is to designate a time to apply sunscreen in a group setting. Sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure.
5. Use a fragrance-free sunscreen.
Most sunscreens emit an unpleasant scent. Children may be sensitive to the scent, and may also be deterred by it. To avoid potential problems that may arise due to this, a scentless sunscreen is ideal for use.
