You've got their hats, snacks, and a decent amount of sand toys ready for the day at the park. But sunscreen? Your kid acts like it's the end of the world. Let's fix that.
A Quick Fix to Start
Instead of asking, "Do you want sunscreen?" (which is basically an invitation to say no), say, "Which sunscreen do you want to use today — the one that smells like chocolate or the fruity one?" Yes, having two options like Banana Boat and Coppertone may seem overkill, but it gives them a choice, and here's the kicker: it's actually working.
Why the Fuss?
Kids push back against sunscreen for two main reasons. They find the sensation unpleasant or they just want control over the situation. I used to think my daughter's morning tantrums were because she hated the smell. Nope. She just hated not being in charge.
Practical Solutions That Don't Involve Bribes
-
Turn it into a Game: I once told my son we were 'painting armor' to protect him from the sun monsters (works best if your kid is into knights or superheroes).
-
Use a Timer: Set a visible timer for around 3 minutes. Tell them it's a race to see if they can have it all applied before the timer rings. My kid still interrupts with, "Are we done yet?!" but it's better than tears.
-
Mirror Their Actions: Apply sunscreen to yourself first. Kids love to copy (especially when they think they’re doing 'grown-up' things). It's slightly amusing watching a 4-year-old squint and squeeze sunscreen onto their arm.
Real Scenario in Your Day
You're running late to a backyard BBQ and sunscreen is a must. Tell your child: "We're leaving in 10 minutes. Do you want to put the sunscreen on yourself this time?" (You can always correct spots they miss after). When they say, "I don't want to!" respond with, "It's important for your skin. You can choose the spray or lotion." Keep your tone upbeat. If all else fails, enlist a sibling to apply sunscreen like an older sibling would. They occasionally listen to each other better than they listen to us.
Next Steps
Remember, there's no magic formula, and yes, I still mess this up sometimes (like when I accidentally used the wrong sunscreen on my second kid, who doesn't like the fruity smell). But try offering choices today. It might just make sunscreen fights a little less dramatic.