Sunscreen is so important for our future Skin health and longevity. Thinking about applying it as adults, it’s no big deal and we just slather it on and help out those around us by getting their backs. With kids though, most of us that have been through that phase of life have blocked out the difficult moments we had trying to apply it to our young children! However, if you have young ones currently, you can definitely relate to the difficulties that come from their resistance to applying sunscreen before any outdoor activities.
Important note: read the labels on the sunscreen and be aware:
Oxybenzone is a hormone disrupting sunscreen filterRetinyl Palmitate is a form of Vitamin A linked to skin damage.
An article in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle had some great advice I wanted to share with you:
According to the article written by Priscilla Dunstan, a behavioral researcher and author of “Child Sense” and Calm the Crying”, It is so important to be adaptable in your approach to your kids and work with them using their dominant sense to make sure the sunscreen gets applied and protection is given.
All children respond well to rules and clear boundaries she says, don’t be afraid to make sun protection a priority. No Sun protection, no playing in the sun!
Tactile children tend to dislike the texture of the sunscreen and will resist with vigor as you try to apply it. A spray can be a good option for these children as they can stand still with their eyes closed for a minute while it is applied. Alternatives such as clothing that blocks the sun, hats and large umbrellas may also work well with these children.
A low fragrance, sensitive skin sunscreen is a good choice for the taste and smell child. They will prefer lotion rather than the spray as the mist can interfere with their sense of smell and taste. Remember to think hats, sun umbrellas and shirts or sun body suits.
Forget large brimmed hats that cover your auditory child’s ears as they don’t tend to be fans of items that can distort the sound around them, which large hats can do. Baseball caps will be a hit for them however, especially if others are wearing them and there is a story attached to it. Applying the lotion while discussing the cap story can be very effective. Create a summer song about sunscreen for them and sing while applying or spraying lotion.
Visual children can become obsessed with sunscreen not showing or being too shiny or white according to Priscilla, so bring a small mirror to reassure them that’s it’s all rubbed in to their satisfaction. They may also be interested in helping to put it on, so if they’re old enough, encourage this type of self-care. Pick a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a color or residue and if it has a picture of their favorite cartoon character on it, all the better.
Thank you Priscilla from the D&C for a great article that reminds us how different every child is and adapting to their senses will reward us with easy and stress free outdoor activities!