Summer Staycation
You might know that I like to travel (a little), but really during a typical week, I hardly leave the house. Yep. I would classify myself as a certifiable home body.
I kind of feel like I have to “recharge” for a long time before I hit the road again. So I’m pretty pro-staycation.
My problem is I tend to translate that in my mind as “get-stuff-done-around-the-house-cation” which kind of misses the spirit of the whole thing, doesn’t it?
If you ARE a little better at this staycation trend than I am, Clorox and MommyDocs want to make sure you stay safe while your rockin’ the suburbs.
If you try to get in touch with your inner cave man by grilling out, make sure your kids have a safe BBQ experience by keeping them away from the flames and any sharp knives.
Also, don’t forget to check that your child’s hamburger is fully cooked (bloody beef, ewww!). Always keep a thermometer on hand to be sure all food has reached the appropriate inside temperature.
Kiddie pools get really dirty, and apparently you are supposed to clean them! (I learn something new every day!)
How to clean the kiddie pool:
Dump out water after each session, and keep the pool clean by disinfecting it with a solution of ¾ cup bleach* to one gallon of water. Don’t forget to rinse well and dry thoroughly after each cleaning (never leave any water in the pool). Be sure to always supervise children when they are in or around any water. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)
Staying Healthy and Hydrated.
Spending time in the heat means kids will be more prone to becoming dehydrated. Remind kids to take frequent rest/drink breaks in the shade when playing outside and try to avoid activity during peak sun hours. Encourage fluids before, during, and after outside activities.
Having Peace of Mind at Playgrounds.
Before letting kids loose at the playground, ensure the safety of the equipment. Swing seats and slides can really heat up in the sun – test them out before your kids hop on to avoid burns. Be sure the playground surface is composed of a soft material to help prevent injury. All playground equipment should be routinely checked for any broken or loose parts. As always, adult supervision is a must at all times!
Saving on Spills.
Spending extra time around the house, especially with kids, often means more spills to clean up. Synthetic sponges and kitchen cloths can start to smell and carry bacteria, but you don’t have to toss them out after a few uses. One option to reduce bacteria is to sanitize sponges and dishrags by soaking them in a bleach solution (¾ cup of bleach* to a gallon of water) for 5 minutes in the sink. Don’t forget to rinse and dry when done. A wet sponge can also be microwaved to get rid of bacteria. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)
Thanks to Mom Central for spreading the word about how to have good clean fun this summer!
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27 June 2009, 8:07 am
Really?! 3/4 cup straight bleach to every gallon of water? Wow - I knew to empty the kiddie pool after every use, but never imagined putting bleach in it.