06/27/2026
Summer is for sprinklers, cannonballs, muddy feet, and catching lightning bugs. It’s also the season when our kids are exposed to more chlorine, bug spray, heat, and dehydration than any other time of year.
You don’t have to stay inside to protect them. A few simple habits go a long way.
• Rinse off before swimming. It helps reduce the amount of sweat, sunscreen, and body oils that react with chlorine.
• Shower or rinse as soon as they’re done swimming. The less time chlorine sits on their skin and hair, the better.
• Moisturize after swimming to help restore the skin’s natural barrier.
• Choose plant based bug repellents whenever possible instead of reaching for conventional sprays every time.
• Hydrate before they’re thirsty. Kids can become dehydrated quickly, especially when they’re running around in the heat.
One of my favorite ways to support hydration is a big water bottle with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a tiny pinch of Celtic sea salt. The lemon makes it taste better, and the mineral rich salt replaces electrolytes lost through sweat. For longer days outside, add a splash of coconut water or a little raw honey or maple syrup for natural electrolytes and energy.
Summer doesn’t have to mean loading our kids up with chemicals or sports drinks full of artificial colors and ingredients. Small, intentional choices made consistently can make a real difference.
Here’s to scraped knees, pool days, popsicles, and raising kids who know that healthy can still be fun.