As someone who spent much of their life in New York, Arizona really shocked my system when I moved here a few years ago. I was warned about the heat by neighbour Hans Eckhardt Tucson resident for many more years than myself, but I didn’t quite believe it until I experienced my very first summer. The heat was blistering and both my wife and I were really struggling.

As bad as the heat is for adults over here in Arizona, it was the kids that we were most worried about and each summer we dedicate a great deal of time trying to protect the kids. There are a worrying amount of kids sent to hospital each year in Tucson because of heat related issues and I will not be accused of being a father who didn’t do his best to prevent death or serious health issues for my kids, as a result of the Tucson heat. Keeping your child cool all day can be tough but I have found some great ways to cool them down when they do get too hot. If you are taking your kids to a hot country this year, here is how to bring down their temperature.

Go For a Splash

One of the best ways that I have found to quickly reduce a child’s temperature is to let them have a splash about in some cold or lukewarm water. We have a paddling pool in the back yard and above it we have an awning to offer a bit of protection from the sun’s rays and this makes the perfect place to cool the kids down. If you don’t have a paddling pool then simply dip your kids in the bath to help them feel a little cooler. Be careful with swimming pools as often the water is warm and they are exposed to direct sunlight.

Mini-Fan 

One of the best items that I have bought for my kids is those battery operated mini-fans and the kids actually look at this as more of a toy than anything else. Because of this, my kids are always using their fans and as a result, keeping themselves cool.

Fluids

Throughout the summer months I will avidly check my kids’ temperatures each hour and one thing that I hadn’t realised was the power of fluids to bring down their core temperature. I knew that my kids should be taking on water to stave off dehydration but I didn’t realise how quickly a cold drink could reduce their temperature. I you have kids who are going to be spending time in a hot place, make sure that you are giving them plenty of fluids and plenty of cold drinks so that they can stay fully hydrated and cool at the same time.

Make sure that you are on the front foot with your kids’ temperatures as the can rise very quickly and cause problems before you know it.