By Nicole Perkins
I live in Arizona and let me tell you – HOT does not even begin to describe what I am living through right now. I got into my truck yesterday, a truck that had been in the garage all day, and the temperature read 121* – IN THE SHADE!
Although I grew up in Alaska for the first 13 years of my life (talk about one extreme to another!), I’m pretty much acclimated to this heat by now, but my poor kids are constantly sweaty and red-faced. So here are a couple ideas that I’ve developed to keep them cool during these brutal summer months that seem to make it a little more bearable.
1. ALWAYS bring water. We fill up our water bottles everytime we leave the house. I know, it’s another step before you get out the door, but it’s so important for you and your kids to stay extra hydrated in the summer months. They say that by the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated, so be prepared!
2. Keep a spray bottle in your purse. Those cars get ridiculously hot in the sun which means those car seats are smoldering too. I keep a spray bottle with me to cool them off before we get in – and the kids love getting a splash as well. Evian also has cute little aerosol water misters if you want to be fancy.
3. Keep your car cool. Find shade when you park, even if it means a few extra steps. It takes your car a lot longer to cool down than it does to walk a little further in a parking lot. And when you turn on your air conditioning, crack the windows and let it blow some of that hot air out for a second. Another trick if your car is really hot, drive through a car wash – the water and shade cools your car fast if it’s been sitting in the sun for a while.
4. Frozen teethers make great ice packs! My kids don’t need them for their teeth anymore, but if you keep them in the freezer, they are great for keeping snacks from melting and if the kids are really hot, they love to rub them on their faces.
5. Sunblock is essential. If you’re out, even for a minute, that sun can do a number on their innocent skin so always keep at least a stick of it in your bag. Don’t forget the tips of their ears, toes and scalp too!
These are just a couple of our daily tricks, and if you have any summer heat survival tips, please feel free to share them in the comments section. And please remember to watch your kids around water – it only takes a second!
Sandra Beck 
This also getting time and actual effort to make a great piece of writing but what can I say I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to obtain something done.