Simple & Surprising

Resourceful Mommy shares insights on how to keep your kids safe during this summer’s activities!

A Moment with Resourceful Mommy

Name: Amy Lupold Bair, a.k.a. Resourceful Mommy
Web site: www.resourcefulmommy.com

As the summer rolls in and my kids are home on vacation, I’m always looking for fun ways the whole family can spend time together, especially at some of the great parks and outdoor events in our area. Whatever your choice of activities—whether it’s a family barbeque in the backyard or an invigorating hike in one of your state parks—it’s always important to do everything you can to keep you and your family safe. Here’s my list of five simple and surprising tips for a safe and happy summer!

1. Be healthy, stay hydrated. Spending time in the heat means that you’re more prone to dehydration. This is especially important for kids, who can expend a lot of energy and fluids when playing outside. Remind kids that they should take frequent rest and drink breaks in the shade whenever they play outside. In the middle of the afternoon, when the sun is hottest, try coaxing kids back inside for a board game or a craft-based activity in order to prevent overexposure to the sun. We also like to find a shady area to cool down with a cold beverage and a few favorite books.


2. Kiddie pools, not kiddie ponds. Just because it’s inflatable or plastic doesn’t mean it can’t harbor algae or other bacteria. Just like the bathtub, it’s important to clean out kiddie pools frequently. Dump out the water after each session, and keep it clean by disinfecting it with a solution of ¾ cup bleach to one gallon of water or as directed on product label. Don’t forget to rinse and dry thoroughly after each cleaning—you should never leave water in the pool. And as always, be sure to supervise children whenever they’re in or around water.


3. Keep the playground playable. Playgrounds are built for kids, but they’re not always kid-ready. Before you let kids loose at a playground, make sure the equipment is safe to use. Swing seats and slides can really absorb the sun’s heat, so to avoid burned backsides, test them out before the kids jump on! Additionally, many playgrounds today have soft rubberized ground coverings—these are great for preventing injuries if your kids happen to fall down. All playground equipment should be checked routinely for any broken or loose parts. And of course, adult supervision is always a must!


4. Take these cues about BBQs. A backyard BBQ is a fun way for kids and adults to prepare and enjoy a meal together. Still, BBQs also tend to involve plenty of items that are decidedly not kid-friendly: raw meat, pointy instruments, and open flames. Make sure you have an eye on your kids at all times, and once it’s time to eat, don’t forget to check that your child’s meat is fully cooked. You can keep a thermometer on hand to be sure that all food has reached the appropriate inside temperature.


5. Don’t flip out about stains. Unless you dress your kids in forest green jumpsuits (not judging you if you do!), grass and mud stains are a natural part of outdoor activity and summer fun. For solutions to tough summer stains, call Dr. Laundry’s toll-free Summer Stain Hotline at 1-877-STAIN-411 (1-877-782-4641). Available 24/7 throughout the summer months, the Summer Stain Hotline allows you to select from a list of common summertime stains (sunscreen, salad dressing, ice cream, etc.) and receive expert advice.

If you can’t find your stain on the hotline, you are sure to find it on Dr. Laundry’s blog (drlaundryblog.com), or you can download myStain™, a free new mobile application for your iPhone, iPod Touch or Droid smart phone, which keeps a remedy for every fumble, spill and dribble right at hand.