Tips to keep kids warm this Winter
This week marks the beginning of the third term for most learners across the country, and they are going back during the most chilling weather this year. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a level 8 warning for extremely cold conditions was issued recently and the whole country is feeling the chills.
Preparing the little ones for school in these cold times is a daunting but necessary task, here are some tips for the kids to stay warm while at school.
1. Wear some inners: Clothes like tights, long-sleeved tees, and tops can help keep the body warm and act as an extra guard for the windy days
2. Get a blankie: The mini-blanket or ‘blankie’ can help in situations where your child is exposed to the outdoors while waiting for transport or walking to school. They can also use it in class provided that the teachers allow them.
3. Get some extra wear: scarfs, gloves, and beanies are in the season it’s time to pull them out and share with the kids. Better yet, you can find colors that match your child’s school uniform, helping them to stay warm all-day
4. Morning fitness routine: Most people would not entertain the idea of a jog in the cold months, or wake up and exercise for that matter.🥶 Your kids may think differently. A light jog around the yard and some stretches before their bath can help their body shrug off the morning lethargy and build up their metabolism, warming up the body. Too cold outside? Try a 5-10 minute aerobics session with their favorite music and get the whole house moving.
5. Protect against Heater Habits: The author coins the term ‘Heater Habits’ by referring to people needing to do most activities near the heater to stay warm. These can include (not limited to): bathing, studying or doing homework, watching TV or ignorantly browsing on socials. Everyone, kids especially, should not subject themselves to long hours in front of the heater. According to Heaterguides.com, ‘Sitting in front of a heater for extended periods can be bad for your health. The high heat and dry air can cause dehydration, skin irritation, and other health issues.’ Teach them the dangers of not using heaters correctly as they know very well the benefits.
6. Try and recommend against sun-basking: Sitting or lying against the warm walls illuminated by the morning sun is one of the best feelings in the winter. Kids should not expose themselves too much to the bright sun for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Doing this for long periods can result in skin.
“While there are a lot of good reasons to get sun, the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can penetrate the skin and damage cell DNA. This can lead to skin cancer. Researchers don’t always have an exact measurement for how long you should stay outside to reap the benefits of sunlight. However defining an excess amount of sun exposure depends on your skin type and how direct the sun’s rays are. People with fair skin typically get sunburn more quickly than those with darker skin. Also, you’re more likely to get a sunburn going outside when the sun’s rays are more direct. This usually takes place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” quoted from Healthline.com.
7. Pack a healthy and filling lunchbox: Make sure that your kid’s lunchboxes are filled and hydration is also a priority. It is a known fact that the body will need its nutrition to keep the body temperature regulated, and their moods will be significantly better than leaving on an empty stomach. If they get lunch money, be generous. 😂
Taking care of the kids during Winter shouldn’t be a drag and certainly shouldn’t put your kids in the cold unprepared as they journey to school every day.