BEAT THE HEAT WITH WATER PLAY

The living may be easy in the summertime, but the weather often isn’t. During this steamiest of seasons, when the playground seats are hot and the sidewalks are toe scorching, it’s simple to understand why children run to the nearest air-conditioned place in front of the television or video games. But indoors is no way to spend summer especially when WATER is an excellent source for cooling-off and is so easy and accessible. So, whether you have a swimming pool, wading pool, or just the garden hose; children can spend hours of fun and “beat the heat” this summer.

SPLISH-SPLASH BABY’S KICKING LIKE A FISH (Baby and Toddler)

Why exclude Baby from having fun in the water? Just set up a special wading pool and let the little ones enjoy this cool refreshing experience. For the younger baby, it’s necessary to place him in a reclining baby seat that is waterproof and set this in a pool of 4-5 inches of water. Let him kick and splash with delight. A toddler can sit up on his own and is more interested in the pool toys. He can discover firsthand how objects behave in water. Besides the usual bath toys, give him a sponge (to absorb water), a sieve (let the water rain through) and draw happy faces on table tennis balls—they float! For a special treat, surround your baby in bubbles by adding baby bubble bath (no tears formula) to the water. Protect the child’s delicate skin by shading his pool area with a beach umbrella and the use of sunscreen. Wide brimmed hats and clothing help from over exposure to the hot summer sun.
As you and baby play in the pool, sing and dramatize this fun water song together. (Tune: “The Eeency Weency Spider)

I LIKE TO SPLASH THE WATER IN MY SWIMMING POOL.
I SPLASH IT ON MY FACE AND WET MY PRETTY HAIR.
WATER THROUGH MY FINGERS AND WATER ON MY TOES.
I LIKE TO SPLASH THE WATER EVEN ON MY NOSE!


THE BEST PART OF BODY PAINTING IS WASHING IT OFF (Preschool)

Have children put on their oldest swimsuits, then go out to the yard and get creative. Grab hold of non-toxic tempera paints, fingerpaint, or foaming bath paints and create colorful pictures on each other. Children can take turns drawing shapes on each other’s back and then guess what was drawn. Use sponges or leaves dipped in paint to make prints on shoulders and legs. After your group has covered as much skin as possible, get out the hose and wash cloths and scrub their “canvas” clean—but not before taking memorable photos of each human masterpiece.

Have super fun days together this summer! Please remember to supervise children at all times near water.

Tania Cowling
Associate Editor/ EverydayTLC Online