How Summer Heat in Las Vegas Valley Affects Children
Summer time heat can be very brutal and impact summer plans, especially for us that live in the Nevada desert. The excessive heat can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion. With these problems it can make parenting in the summer very hard. As any parent knows kids stuck inside day after day causes stir crazy kids and crazy parents.
According to Iowa Department of Public Health: a heat index over 90 degrees Fahrenheit is when temperature outdoors start to be considered uncomfortable. 100 degrees Fahrenheit is considered uncomfortable and may be a potential hazardous. 110 degrees Fahrenheit and above is considered dangerous. Heat index is how hot it feels to the body when the air temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity are combined. Now anyone who lives in a region like Las Vegas, the months of at least July through August, we are under excessive heat warnings, meaning the temperature will exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dehydration is a very dangerous condition in young children. Dehydration means your body lacks hydration. Infants and children are susceptible to quick fluid loss due to sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, not consuming enough fluids and any combination. Some signs of dehydration are lethargy, irritability, sunken eyes, decreased urination or dry diapers, dry mouth and crying without tears. In the summer months if you participate in any outdoor play make sure your children stay hydrated. It is also recommended to keep children indoors especially when heat is excessive.
Trying to keep children entertained while cooped up inside all summer is no easy task. Some good options can be indoor arcades, bowling, local museums, movies, local pools /recreation centers and water parks. Now those are all great options, but parenting already being one of the most expensive things I have ever done daily outings are typically not in anyone’s budget. Below are some fun indoor/ budget friendly beat the heat summer activities for children.
- Make homemade slime or playdough- sensory experience typically keep children entertained for a while. The process of making it together is also a great experience. These two home made products are not only cheap to make they can last for more than one use.
- Forts and tunnels- Around the daycare I always have pop up tents and tunnels as these or homemade forts with sheets create a fun experience. Kids love obstacle course and love being creative and making things an adventure. These kind of experience can be used on different days just by even changing the theme of their play- Pirate play, relay race and any other theme your children are into. Imaginative play is a great cognitive, social and language building experience.
- When it is not too hot or on the shady side of house- water play is always fun- Again remember to keep you children hydrated
- A great way to help kids stay hydrated is making your own home made juice pops- even adding fresh fruit to them- Kids in the kitchen is highly recommended – This incorporates nutrition, language, math and science lessons.
- Make homemade bird feeders and YouTube videos on boards
- Turn your living room into a movie theater by laying out towels & pillow making little snack trays with popcorn- or even theme the snack with the movie- goldfish with Nemo, pizza with toy story- having these association can open great conversations about the movie.
- Organize an eye spy game or scavenger hunt in the house
- Make your own bowling set with 2 liter bottles- spend day decorating them- then a day to play
- Collect rocks and paint them and decorate your yard or even share in neighbors yards.
Have fun and stay safe this summer
