Am i Being Too Overprotective???

Jennifer - posted on 07/04/2010

I think you're right to be cautious but your life can't stop because it's sunny. You could do a couple of things which would allow yous to spend the day there. Invest in some UV clothing and a tent so that she is well protected from the sun (don't forget sun tan lotion though too) and yous can seek some shade during the hottest part of the day.

K - posted on 07/03/2010

I understand, I don't think you are being overprotective. If you are spending an entire day at the beach with a 16 month old, it would be nice to have somewhere cool/comfortable to go to relax and get out of the sun. Especially when she needs naps etc. If it is going to be very hot outside, even more reason not to have a tent, tents get HOT!

Sarah - posted on 07/03/2010

you can get one of those pop uo shade things. we took our then 8 mo old to the beach with one of those things. it worked well, and when she did get overly hot, i stuck her in the car adn drove around with the ac on :)

Karen - posted on 07/02/2010

I do think you're being a wee bit overprotective as we Moms tend to be. Sometimes we need to let Dads do the "dangerous" things with the kids and pretend not to see it. It's amazing how resilient kids can be. I think lots of sunscreen, as covering up of a bathing suit as you can (Lands End has some cute SPF suits and splash shirts, no bikinis - way too much skin to sunscreen!), a hat, and a tent so the little one can nap and you'll be fine. Personally, I'd be more concerned about the no nap thing than the sunscreen thing myself. Just think, if Daddy and baby have a great time together you can get a manicure/pedicure/massage/read a book by yourself more often down the road! I totally encourage Dads to take kids to do fun things as often as possible (it means I get away for at least a weekend each year, a week every other year, and every Tuesday night, and recharge)!

Meghan - posted on 07/02/2010

my ex does the same thing...he thinks our son is the same as him..very light...when infact he has more my complextion, I just lather him up and bring him out in a snow suit (haha, kidding) I wouldn't say over protective...maybe just over cautious?? Sun burns are serious! But slap some sunscreen on, throw a hat on your babe, bring an umbrella and GET OUT!!! I am a very scheduled person when it comes to my son, but there comes a point where mommy needs to enjoy her time too! An hour or so wont hurt as long as you take the proper percautions!

Ashley - posted on 07/02/2010

I think its a bit overprotective....as long as you have a tent of some kind of shade i think everything will be fine...

Rosie - posted on 06/30/2010

once again teresa, i am sooo jealous! (imagine me with my thumbs in my ears sticking my tongue out at you, lol) . i don't think i could ever get bored of the beaches there. poipu was great, sigh.

Jackie - posted on 06/30/2010

Great so I am a crazy woman... just kidding. Thanks for the advicce ladies. I really appreciate it.

I am definately familiar with sunblock so that's a sure bet.

Thanks Kati - Thats a good idea by going to an aquarium or something... hmmm. Maybe I'll try that.

Maybe I owe somebody an apology for being a crab ass too.

Teresa - posted on 06/30/2010

My kids would be fine, but I can't spend all day at the beach... and I live in Hawaii. ;) If I spend very much time at all in the sun I get a massive headache that doesn't go away for at least a day. Not worth it to me.

If you don't have that issue though.... I think w/ the sunscreen, shade tent, and umbrella you guys will be FINE.

Rosie - posted on 06/30/2010

sorry!!! (duck my head, lol) but i do think you are being overprotective. use a crap ton of sunscreen, and bring a hat. maybe bring an umbrella for shade. i do agree it would be hard to take a nap if extremely hot out, so maybe go for a little car ride in the airconditioning or something for a couple of hours, or get something to eat in an airconditioned place.

i love taking my kids to the beach. their faces are priceless when they rae playing with the sand, making their sand pies, and castles and stuff. i love it. enjoy your time with your family, jackie!!!!

Amy - posted on 06/30/2010

Yes, it's a little over protective, but I do see your point and understand where your coming from. My biggest suggestion is to get a beach tent type thing. My parents have one that we'll be using this summer that's half circle in shape and set's up similar to a tent, but to weight it down you fill the tent pockets with sand. It would provide some shade and a little cooler place for the child to sleep.

Also look for in-door activities, is there an aquariam or indoor play area you could go to for a few hours to cool down? Many DQ's in our area have a play area and ice cream!

And as Meghan said, lots and lots of sun screen!

Meghan - posted on 06/30/2010

I think it is a little over protective...bring a nice big blanket and an umbrella for the two of you to sit under, obviously sun screen is a must we use the Aveno brand because it blocks UVA and UVB rays and lasts much longer than other brands. The SPF number tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning if you apply the sunscreen, which acts as a "block" to the sun's rays (hence the term sunblock). For example, if your child would burn after 20 minutes of sun exposure, applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 gives him or her 15 times the protection.



For kids age 6 months and older, select an SPF of 15 or higher to prevent both sunburn and tanning. Choose a sunscreen that states on the label that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays (referred to as "broad-spectrum" sunscreen). To avoid possible skin allergy, avoid sunscreens with PABA, and if your child has sensitive skin, look for a product with the active ingredient titanium dioxide (a chemical-free block).



For sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly. Be sure to:



* Use sunscreen whenever your child will be in the sun.

* Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside so that a good layer of protection can form. Don't forget about lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them (in case the straps shift as your child moves).

* Don't try to stretch out a bottle of sunscreen; as a guide, apply the sunscreen generously.

* Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 to 3 hours, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Reapply after your child is sweating or swimming.

* Apply a waterproof sunscreen if your child will be around water or will go swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun's rays, so kids need protection that lasts. Waterproof sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat- and rub-proof. But, regardless of the waterproof label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when kids come out of the water.





I used to be that way with my daughter last summer when she was 20 months old but you get over it, kids love to be outside no matter how old they are.



Someone asked me once "what do you think parents did with their kids before tents and umbrellas and sun block" that made me take a hard look at my situation...people have been taking their kids outside for thousands of years in worse situations that I am in.