Spring Tips 2025

Ahhh, spring. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining (in between the rain and random snow!), the sunburns are burning. Wait, what?! Yes, it’s true!  

We start to see lots of sun-related skin conditions, most commonly sunburns, in the spring. Often, we parents (myself included) simply forget the sun protection as we have been cooped up indoors all winter and are out of practice. But remember, the temperature outside does not matter when it comes to sunburns! And cloudy days can still have sun risk, so start practicing your sun protection anytime you are heading outdoors to play.  

Sunscreen, long sleeves, hats and sunglasses are great ways to protect yourself and your children from sunburns. Take breaks and seek shelter during the middle of the day, which is the time of strongest sun rays.  

When choosing sunscreen, choose broad spectrum SPF of at least 30 (more than 50 is probably not worth the extra money), apply PRIOR to getting into the sun on all sun-exposed areas (don’t forget the ears and the feet!). And don’t forget to reapply frequently, as sunscreen doesn’t last all day and wears off faster if you are sweating or swimming.  

Go play, and have fun!  

Yes, we know that April showers bring May flowers. But the thunderstorms come too! Thunderstorms can be a beautiful lightshow to watch as a family (from a safe location), but also bring some safety risk for all of us.  

When you start to hear thunder, seek shelter (especially if you are on a sports field!!). All thunderstorms produce lightning and if you can hear it, the lightning isn’t far. Trees, tents, dugouts and bleachers are NOT safe shelters, and ideally a storm shelter would include 4 walls and a roof.  

If a building structure is not available, stay out of standing water, and avoid being at or near the highest point of the field. Getting in a vehicle can be an alternative safety spot but keep hands and body parts off of electronics and exposed metals.  

With outdoor play comes hot, sweaty kid bodies and thirsty mouths. It is always important to increase your fluid intake with increased exercise (active play is the best form of exercise!), but especially as the weather begins to warm.  

Water is the best fluid to drink for most people in most situations. For an average child doing typical activities, electrolyte drinks are probably not necessary and also contain unneeded sugar. Of course, on a warm day in the sun, a popsicle or cool lemonade are great treats which can contribute to hydration! But in general, water is best.  

Those first warm days of spring are often signalled by kids riding their bikes, scooters, and rollerblades (some that are brand new from winter holidays!). What a fun way to start the outdoor season while getting a healthy dose of exercise!  

Setting a standard of safety with our kids from an early age helps to maintain the expectations as they grow older and more independent. Start younger than you think you need to so that safety is a routine part of rolling around the neighborhood.  

Helmets, always. Regardless of trip length, speed, intensity, or adult supervision, all wheeled activities should include a helmet. Even the pros wear them!  

Teach your kids the proper place to ride or roll, whether on the sidewalk or in the street, help them learn how to watch for traffic, obey stop signs, and signal direction changes to those around us.  

Consider wrist guards, knee and elbow pads for any activity that includes lots of falling as part of learning. Roller blades, roller skates, and skateboards all have lots of falls as a typical part of the experience, even once a person is quite skilled. Help protect your kids from fractures and breaks (and trips to the urgent care) with these simple items of protective gear.  

Will your child complain about helmets and safety gear? Yes, they probably will! But if the standard is to wear it or not go, most kids will relent and eventually adopt these practices into their own routines.  

Read more health and safety tips at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/default.aspx