How to Tell Your Kids to Apply Sunscreen Throughout the Day at School
The Importance of Sunscreen
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and other health problems. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the clouds and reach your skin. That's why it's important to apply sunscreen every day, even when you're not going to be outside for long.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Sunscreen
The best way to get your kids to apply sunscreen is to start by talking to them about the importance of it. Explain to them that UV rays can damage their skin and lead to skin cancer. You can also talk to them about how sunscreen can help prevent premature aging.
When you're talking to your kids about sunscreen, use age-appropriate language. For younger children, you might explain that sunscreen helps to "block the sun's rays" or "keeps their skin from getting burned." For older children, you can talk about the science of sunscreen and how it works to protect the skin.
How to Make Sunscreen Application Fun
You can make sunscreen application fun for your kids by finding sunscreen that comes in fun colors or scents. You can also make it a game. For example, you could see who can apply sunscreen the fastest or who can find all the hidden spots on their body that need sunscreen.
How to Be a Role Model
The best way to teach your kids about the importance of sunscreen is to be a role model. Show them that you use sunscreen every day by applying it yourself. This will help them see that sunscreen is important and that it's something that everyone should do.
How to Pack Sunscreen for School
If your child is going to be spending time outside at school, it's important to pack sunscreen in their lunchbox. This will make it easy for them to reapply sunscreen at lunchtime or after recess.
How to Talk to Your Child's School About Sunscreen
Some schools have policies that allow children to bring sunscreen to school and apply it themselves. Other schools may require teachers to apply sunscreen to children. It's a good idea to talk to your child's school about their sunscreen policy so that you know what's allowed.
How to Remind Your Child to Apply Sunscreen
You can remind your child to apply sunscreen throughout the day by sending them to school with a reminder note. You can also remind them yourself at lunchtime or after recess.
How to Be Patient
It may take some time for your child to get into the habit of applying sunscreen regularly. Be patient and keep reminding them, and eventually they'll get the hang of it.
Additional Tips
Label your child's sunscreen with their name. This will help prevent other kids from using their sunscreen.
Make sunscreen part of your child's morning routine. Help them apply sunscreen before they leave for school.
Talk to your child's teachers about sun safety. Ask the teachers to remind your kids to apply sunscreen throughout the day.
Set a good example. Apply sunscreen yourself every day and remind your kids that you do it.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help your child protect their skin from the sun's harmful rays throughout the school day. This will help protect their skin from skin cancer and premature aging, and it will also help them develop a healthy habit of using sunscreen throughout their life.
Additional Resources
The Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/
The American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/
The National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/
Here are some of the best sunscreens for children:
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and is free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. It is also water-resistant and sweat-resistant, making it a good choice for active children. Opens in a new window www.sproutsanfrancisco.com
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen. This sunscreen is also made with non-nano zinc oxide and is free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. It is also hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin. Opens in a new window www.amazon.com
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and is free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. It is also water-resistant and sweat-resistant, making it a good choice for active children. Opens in a new window www.freshbybrookshires.com
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and is free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. It is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a good choice for children with acne-prone skin. Opens in a new window www.amazon.com
Babo Botanicals Baby SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Stick. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and is free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. It is also reef-safe and water-resistant, making it a good choice for children who are going to be swimming or playing in the water. Opens in a new window www.target.com
These sunscreens are all affordable and effective, making them a good choice for parents who are looking for a budget-friendly option. They are also all gentle on children's skin, making them a good choice for children with sensitive skin.
When choosing a sunscreen for your child, it is important to consider the following factors:
Sun protection factor (SPF). The SPF of a sunscreen indicates how well it protects your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. An SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for children.
Broad spectrum protection. A sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn.
Water resistance. If your child is going to be swimming or playing in the water, choose a sunscreen that is water resistant. This will help the sunscreen stay on your child's skin longer.
Fragrance-free and dye-free. Some children have sensitive skin, so it is important to choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free and dye-free. This will help prevent skin irritation.
Stay Happy and Healthy out there!