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Summer is made for memories — sun-drenched days in the garden, spontaneous beach trips, sticky fingers from melting ice lollies, and that golden-hour glow you only get after hours outdoors. While we’re all for soaking up the sunshine, it’s no secret that the daily sun cream battle can test even the calmest parent’s patience.
Here’s the good news: protecting your children’s skin doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, with a few simple tricks, sun safety can become just another easy part of your summer routine — no nagging, no drama, no meltdowns.
It’s Not About Hiding from the Sun
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about avoiding the sun. It’s about respecting it.
Sunlight is vital for our well-being — it boosts vitamin D, lifts moods, encourages kids to be active and helps reset our body clocks. We want our children to play outdoors. The goal is to help them do that safely, without overexposure or painful sunburn that can have long-term effects.
Set Up a “Sun Spot” at Home
One of the simplest ways to stay consistent with sun protection is to make it impossible to forget. Create a sun station by the front or back door — somewhere you always pass before heading out.
Stock it with:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- A little mirror for older kids who like to help apply their own cream
This small setup acts as a visual cue and saves you hunting for bits as everyone’s trying to get out the door.
Model the Habit
Children learn by watching — and they’re much more likely to cooperate when they see you applying sunscreen too. Make it a family ritual. Apply together in the mirror, talk about why it matters, and take the ‘us vs them’ out of the equation.
Make It Fun (Yes, Really)
If sunscreen application feels like a daily standoff, try turning it into a game:
- Use a clean makeup brush or sponge to “paint” it on
- Race the timer or set a challenge (e.g. finish before a song ends)
- Let your child choose the order – arms or legs first?
Giving kids a bit of control turns resistance into cooperation — and keeps the mood light. One size doesn’t fit all and you will have to change up your methods no doubt as your children suss you out. Believe me, we’ve tried all sorts over the years.
Start the Day Right
On holiday or on long sunny days, the best time to apply sunscreen is before clothes or swimsuits go on. This way, you’re less likely to miss spots and it has time to absorb properly before sun exposure or water play begins.
Choose a formula that can keep up with your kids. P20 Kids SPF50+ is ideal for this — it provides up to 10 hours of protection, is water-resistant for up to 3 hours, and is suitable for children aged 6 months and up.
Plus, it’s:
- Fragrance-free and AllergyCertified
- Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
- Fast-absorbing (no sticky wrestles into clothes)
- Ocean-friendly — made without harmful ingredients like homosalate or octocrylene
You can find it in 100ml and 200ml sizes at Amazon, Boots, Superdrug, and Tesco. Visit p20.co.uk or check out @p20_uk on Instagram for more tips.
Embrace the Joy of Slow, Sunny Days
Summer doesn’t have to mean stress. It doesn’t have to mean being inside, or constantly chasing shade. With the right sun protection in place, your family can embrace the outdoors with confidence.
Say yes to garden den-building, nature walks, splashy pool afternoons and lazy beach days — and do it all knowing you’re protected.
