1. Avoid sending your kids out in the afternoon sun. i.e. from 11 am to 4 pm, as it is hottest at this time. Instead, enrol them in an activity class.
   
   
   Don't get fooled into thinking the little one can get her dose of vitamin D from the afternoon sun. It is early morning sunlight that is required for vitamin D.
   
   

2. When your kid is indoors he is likely to be gaming on his Playstation or watching TV. This is not just addictive but bad for his eyes too. Encourage him to develop new hobbies like reading or artwork instead.
   
   
3. Dress your kids up in loose cotton clothes whether they are in the house or out. But if your son must wear his favourite football jersey make sure he takes it off once he gets home. Synthetic fabrics do not let your skin breathe.
   
   
4. Send the sweaty fellow for a bath after playtime. It is also good for him to have a bath twice a day with cool water.
   
   
5. Do not allow the little ones to come in all sweaty and cool themselves in front of the AC. They could catch a chill. Also avoid drinking ice cold drinks as soon as they are back from playing.
   
   
6. Powder your princess with prickly heat powder after her bath. But if she develops prickly heat anyway, use calamine lotion to treat it.
   
   
7. Sunscreen is good for kids too. But remember to apply it at least 30 to 45 minutes before they go into the sun. It would be great if you could reapply it every 2 hours or so especially if they are swimming.
   
   
   Hats and caps are a must for the summer.
   
   
8. With the heat, colas seem very tempting. But stock your refrigerator with buttermilk, coconut water or fresh fruit juices so your kids can cool off healthy. And get them to drink loads of water.
   
   
9. Let your kids eat light this summer. This way it is okay if they eat at regular intervals. Also food tends to get bad in summer if left outside. So be very careful. You don't want their holidays getting ruined because of food poisoning.
   
   
10. Head lice are very common, especially in summer. The only way to prevent your kid from getting lice by advising her not to maintain head to head contact with other kids as well as share hair brushes, hair clips etc. with her pals.

(With inputs from Dr. Margaret Miranda, General Physician)