Summer is a time for fun, sun, and making memories. Vellore’s heat wave can definitely be testing to our kids, but with the right care and attention, we can help them beat the heat and enjoy this summer to the fullest!
Indulge in Summer Fruits
Summer is synonymous with an abundance of delicious fruits that help keep our bodies cool and hydrated.
Mangoes : Hailed as the king of fruits, mangoes are a staple during this season, offering a burst of sweetness and juiciness loaded with vitamins A and C. Mangoes boost immunity and promote healthy skin, making them a perfect summer snack for kids.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers are another summer favorite, renowned for their high water content and refreshing crunch.
Watermelons: The quintessential symbol of summer, are packed with electrolytes.
Palmyra (Ice Apple): Available throughout TN, ice apples are a part of our culture!
Whole fruits are a refreshing snack, the best part of smoothies, and a delicious way to beat the heat while nourishing their growing bodies.
Refreshing Summer Drinks
As temperatures rise, kids need hydration throughout the day.
Lassi: The yogurt-based drink, is a delightful way to cool off on a hot summer day. Made by blending yogurt with water and flavored with fruits or sugar, your kids will adore its yummy taste and soothing texture.
Muskmelon juice: This heavenly hydrator is perfect for summer and packed with antioxidants.
Buttermilk: Traditionally made buttermilk, is ambrosia for the gut!
Nannari Sarbat: Made from the roots of the nannari plant (Hemidesmus indicus).Nannari Sarbat, aka, sarsaparilla drink, is a quintessential Tamil summer cooler! Reintroduce this delicacy to your kids with Tamil folk tales and some sugar.
Panakam: Made from jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), water, dried ginger powder, cardamom powder, and a hint of lemon juice. Panakam is revered for its sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it a popular choice for quenching thirst and revitalizing the body during hot summer days.
Jigarthanda: A beloved traditional drink from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, known for its rich and indulgent flavors. It is made from a combination of milk, almond gum (badam pisin), sarsaparilla syrup, nannari syrup, and ice cream. Jigarthanda is served chilled and is often garnished with chopped nuts and basil seeds. This creamy and decadent beverage is a must-try!
Note: You can skip sugar and use teeth-friendly sweeteners such as xylitol that are tolerable and allergen-free for most kids, a lot of sugary drink can quickly impact the teeth, xylitol can protect those pearly teeth, increase saliva production, and promote good bacteria.
Kambu Koozh: Kambu Koozh, or pearl millet porridge, is a traditional Tamil drink that dates back centuries. It is made from fermented pearl millet flour mixed with water and salt to create a thick, creamy beverage. Kambu koozh is known for its cooling properties and high nutritional value.
Cooling Oils
In the scorching heat of summer, it’s essential to take care of our children to prevent heat-induced rash, dryness, sunburn, and irritation. While moisturizers play a crucial role in skincare, nothing replaces the cooling oils’ role in Indian households. Massage onto palms, soles of the feet, head, and belly button to bring down that body temperature.
Coconut oil, apply coconut oil to your child’s skin after a bath or shower to lock in moisture and keep their skin soft and supple throughout the day.
Castor oil is another great option, and so is jojoba oil (non-comedogenic) and almond oil. Avocado oil is also a great choice, but it is known to clog pores, so you can use it in moderation.
Himalayan Pink Salt
Staying hydrated is essential, especially during the hot summer months when the risk of dehydration is higher. While drinking water is the most effective way to maintain hydration levels, did you know that water alone cannot replenish the body? Adding a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to your child’s water or meals can help them rehydrate instantly!
Himalayan pink salt is an unrefined salt that contains trace minerals that balance fluids in the body. In addition to enhancing hydration, Himalayan pink salt can also add flavor and depth to your child’s meals. Sprinkle a little salt on fruits, vegetables, or snacks to enhance their natural flavors and encourage your child to enjoy a balanced and nutritious diet.
Playtime and Downtime
Summer is a time for kids to embrace outdoor play and enjoy the freedom of being active in the sunshine. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between playtime and downtime to ensure that your child stays healthy, happy, and well-rested throughout the season.
Encourage your child to engage in outdoor play during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid peak heat and sun exposure. Whether it’s riding bikes, playing hide and seek, or kicking a soccer ball, make sure your child has plenty of downtime to relax during the hottest hours of the day (10 am to 4 pm). Set aside time each day for quiet activities such as reading, drawing, or listening to music, allowing your child to unwind and decompress after a busy day of play.
Avoid Stress
Help your child avoid stress by creating a calm and supportive environment at home. Maintain consistent routines and schedules to provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security. Encourage them to write a journal, scrapbook, learn coding, or engage in any DIY activity to help them process discomfort and step out of their comfort zone.
Cotton Clothing, Sunscreen, and a Hat
Protecting your child from the sun’s harmful rays is essential for their health and well-being, especially during the hot summer months. By taking simple precautions such as wearing cotton clothing, applying sunscreen, and providing them with a hat, you can help keep your child safe and comfortable while enjoying outdoor activities.
Limiting Screen Time
Heads glued to screens are easily irritable during scorching heat! Limit screen time to encourage your kids to interact and bond with you. We suggest having a look at our previous blog 10 Things to Do in Vellore This Summer ( Know More ) to entertain your kids or keep them creatively entertained while you are at work.
Back to School Prep
Why wait until the last minute? You can help your kids beat boredom and fast-track productivity by assisting them in prepping for the next academic year. Whether it’s with the curriculum or planning out meals for lunches, let’s get creative and kickstart the academic year with fresh energy!
Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for your child’s physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being, especially during the summer months when vacations, late nights, and outdoor activities may disrupt routines. By prioritizing sleep and establishing a consistent bedtime routine, you can help your child get the rest they need to thrive throughout the summer.
Want a hyperactive kid to go to sleep? Give them a board game like Othello or a problem-solving activity such as chess to detach from smartphones and wind down before heading to bed. A study suggests that heart rate is the most important indicator of high-quality sleep, and the best way to get to bed is through relaxation. Becoming a morning person will help you, your kids, and your family members to get the most out of this summer!
We hope your summer is going well, and that this blog was helpful! Did we miss anything on this list? Please comment below. Embrace the sunshine, savor the delights of summer, and craft cherished memories; don’t take it for granted because time with your family should always be treasured.
