Default Style Register
Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>How Long And How Often Are Your Kids Going Outside?
Unregistered 05:34 AM 06-22-2017
I take my kids out 30min in the morning and from 3:30-5:30 in the afternoon. I have a DCB who wears 2 layers of long sleeve shirts and overalls in this 85 degree weather. Mom sent me a text this morning saying she was surprised to see his hands and back on neck were tan and leathery and was concerned about how much time they were spending outside and that he was hot to the touch when she picked up yesterday...and wants me to come up with a way to lessen his exposure.
I told her hes wearing a lot of clothes which will make him hot and to bring a sunhat. I told her outside time is important and strongly encouraged by licensing. I dont know any daycares that dont have the kids outside as much as i do so I know im not doing anything wrong. Most parents dont want their kids cooped up inside. I put sunscreen on the kids so they arent burnt but yeah they may get tan. She is terrified of him getting skin cancer....hes 2.
Help???
Reply
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:41 AM 06-22-2017
I'd have her buy a sun protection shirt that is long sleeved. They're UPF 50+. It will be much thinner than an actual long sleeve shirt and overalls and still cover his arms like she wants. That's some THICK clothing he is wearing, no wonder he is hot. He could wear normal, cotton pants if she wants his legs protected.

Shirt: http://www.uvskinz.com/Boys-Long-Sle....htm?color=509

Or this is a one piece and has long sleeves and pants...: http://www.uvskinz.com/Sun-Swim-Suit....htm?color=479

Hat is also UPF 50+ with a chin strap: http://www.uvskinz.com/Boys-Adjustab....htm?color=557


I am open for 8 hours and most are only here 7.5 hours or so a day. We go outside for 1 hour in the morning since they're picked up fairly early in the afternoon and it is blazing hot here in the south.
Reply
Blackcat31 05:52 AM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I take my kids out 30min in the morning and from 3:30-5:30 in the afternoon. I have a DCB who wears 2 layers of long sleeve shirts and overalls in this 85 degree weather. Mom sent me a text this morning saying she was surprised to see his hands and back on neck were tan and leathery and was concerned about how much time they were spending outside and that he was hot to the touch when she picked up yesterday...and wants me to come up with a way to lessen his exposure.
I told her hes wearing a lot of clothes which will make him hot and to bring a sunhat. I told her outside time is important and strongly encouraged by licensing. I dont know any daycares that dont have the kids outside as much as i do so I know im not doing anything wrong. Most parents dont want their kids cooped up inside. I put sunscreen on the kids so they arent burnt but yeah they may get tan. She is terrified of him getting skin cancer....hes 2.
Help???
I don't get involved in these types of issues.

"DCM, we go outside often. Please make sure you send the proper sunscreen of your choice and I will apply liberally and often. It would also be in DCB's best interest if you sent him in seasonally appropriate clothing."

If she balks.....


"DCM, this is how I run MY program. Your only option is to decide if my program works for you or not."

End of convo.

I am over playing some of the "weird" games parents play and addressing some of these odd fears and requests.
Reply
bklsmum 06:44 AM 06-22-2017
I agree with BC on this one. When it is nice we spend as much time outside as possible. We even nap outside sometimes. I have had a few parents who wanted the "special" for their snowflake. I explain that I apply sunscreen frequently, we drink water a lot and we go outside and that is how it is. They are free to find an indoor program if they wish.
Reply
trix23 06:59 AM 06-22-2017
I always love your responses, BlackCat
Reply
DaveA 07:11 AM 06-22-2017
Once again BC for the win!
Reply
DaveA 07:13 AM 06-22-2017
As for how long/ how often- daily about 30 minutes, weather permitting. If it's going to be hot we do it in the morning. If the backyard is muddy we go for a walk.
Reply
Jupadia 07:29 AM 06-22-2017
I don't have set times outside but we tend to go out in am this time of year and summer anywhere between 30 min to a couple hours. The afternoons we don't go out as much cause it cab get very humid here and with kids so young and heat warring in effect in the summer it makes it harder. plus the backyard gets no shade in the after noon but has shade in most of yard including playset in morning. But if it's cool we do go out in afternoon more so in spring and fall. Winter I go out for 15 min to 30.

This fall we will also have 30 min walks twice a day for school so that will increase our outdoor time this winter.
Reply
Unregistered 07:55 AM 06-22-2017
I live in the north where its cold and snowy 9 months out of the year, so vitamin D is much needed for these kids!
Reply
Poptarts22 09:18 AM 06-22-2017
As often as possible. I have a covered back porch and two outdoor umbrellas as well as numerous shade trees. As a red haired adult who has battled skin cancer, I take all precautions for protection. My program involves a lot of outdoor time, lots of learning about nature and animals, and an Christian environment with talks about Jesus...any parent who has an issue with any of these are free to leave-but the fact that my waiting list is long and turnover low tells me I'm providing a much needed resource
Reply
debbiedoeszip 09:40 AM 06-22-2017
We're out from after morning snack until lunch, and then from after nap until they go home with a short break inside mid-afternoon to eat afternoon snack. So, basically all day. I require parents to provide two sets of weather/temp appropriate clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Sunscreen is applied twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon (even when it's cool and overcast).
Reply
hwichlaz 09:44 AM 06-22-2017
NEVER

J/K, we're currently in a heat advisory so I'm getting cabin fever. Usually we're outside twice a day for about 30 min at a time.
Reply
Pepperth 09:53 AM 06-22-2017
I live very far up north too, with cold weather quite often. SO, that being said, now that its FINALLY summer, we go out for an hour after breakfast. Come inside for an hour or so, then we are out until lunch. After nap, we head out for another hour or two. I think there is nothing more important for a child than the benefits of being outdoors.
Reply
laundrymom 10:03 AM 06-22-2017
We were out from 7-1045 this morning and will go out again from 330-530 this afternoon. This mom would hate me. Lol
Reply
Leigh 10:40 AM 06-22-2017
I was going to joke that you should offer to leash him and tie him up under a sun umbrella, but she'd probably take you up on that!

We have days here that kids are outdoors 90% of the day. I apply sunscreen every 60-80 minutes, and encourage them to spend at least part of the day in the shade (they can draw on my patio with chalk under my deck, for example, and I have a 7 foot trampoline under there, too).

I have only ONE child who gets sunburn-my own. This fair haired/fair skinned little boy burns so easily (I put cream sunscreen on him, then spray, then put the white zinc oxide on top of his ears, which are the worst place for him to get sun).

I agree with BC-her advice is really your only option unless you're willing to keep all the kids inside all day (in which case, their parents would likely consider a new daycare). I understand the parental worry-it's legitimate. However, not dressing your child appropriately, overreacting to sun exposure, asking to keep the child away from the sun? That's overboard. I'd just let Mom know what you can and will do, and let her take it from there.
Reply
LittleScholars 10:44 AM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by laundrymom:
We were out from 7-1045 this morning and will go out again from 330-530 this afternoon. This mom would hate me. Lol
Same here. We take the nice weather when we can get it.

I require that children are dressed appropriately for play. In my opinion, this boy is not and I would be worried about him overheating. I would require appropriate clothing and follow BC's advice.
Reply
kendallina 11:06 AM 06-22-2017
We were outside 9am-noon and will be for an hour or two this afternoon as well. I would recommend more appropriate clothing and sunscreen and remind her that you will spend lots of time outside.
Reply
ColorfulSunburst 11:22 AM 06-22-2017
My DC is open 7am-7pm
During a warm period of year the kids are outside 8am-9am, then 10am-12pm and, if temperature and humidity is not crazy, we are outside 4:30pm-7pm.
Reply
Unregistered 11:26 AM 06-22-2017
I take the kids out for about an hour in the morning. I tell parents to apply sunscreen before dropping off and I do encourage the kids to take a little break and play in the shade. I haven't had any parents complain since they all know the weather here.
Reply
SunflowerMama 11:28 AM 06-22-2017
We're open 7:30a-5p and are outside 8:30a - 11am, in for lunch, nap and snack and then back outside 3-5p. I sunscreen and bug spray the kids twice a day before we head out but a few always getting eaten up by bugs. None of my current families complain but in the past parents have and I basically tell them "we run a program where the majority of our time is outdoors. The bug bites come with the package deal unfortunately. You're welcome to dress them in long sleeves and long pants but it can get pretty steamy in TX in the summer so it's up to you."
Reply
Unregistered 11:59 AM 06-22-2017
She asked me since hes the only one here after 5pm to take him inside at that time. I like being outside though because its a faster pickup. Do I give in to her request?
I want to say no because I dont want her telling me how to run my business or schedule. But I dont really have a reason to keep him outside if hes the only one..
Reply
Blackcat31 12:05 PM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
She asked me since hes the only one here after 5pm to take him inside at that time. I like being outside though because its a faster pickup. Do I give in to her request?
I want to say no because I dont want her telling me how to run my business or schedule. But I dont really have a reason to keep him outside if hes the only one..
Why do you have to give a reason?

"Sorry DCM but being outside at the end of the day works for me. If that doesn't work for you then pick up earlier."


I'd have a super hard time containing my annoyance at this silliness.
Reply
Leigh 12:07 PM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
She asked me since hes the only one here after 5pm to take him inside at that time. I like being outside though because its a faster pickup. Do I give in to her request?
I want to say no because I dont want her telling me how to run my business or schedule. But I dont really have a reason to keep him outside if hes the only one..
How do YOU feel about it? When I am down to my last kid, you'll find me outside weeding the garden with the child, washing out trash cans, picking weeds from my landscaping, or just supervising the last kid on a ride on toy in the driveway or playing with chalk. Personally, I'd never agree to such a request because it would change the way I deal with MY day, and I wouldn't let a client tell me what to do at my own home...this is WHY I am self-employed.
Reply
mommyneedsadayoff 12:07 PM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
She asked me since hes the only one here after 5pm to take him inside at that time. I like being outside though because its a faster pickup. Do I give in to her request?
I want to say no because I don't want her telling me how to run my business or schedule. But I don't really have a reason to keep him outside if hes the only one..
I would judge going inside based on whether he is still playing when the others leave. If he is busy and having fun, let him play. If he is wandering and not really busy with something or following you around, I would transition to inside time. A nice cool drink, take off some layers if possible, a diaper change if needed, read a book and rock while we wait for pick up, ect. I would do what you think is best based on what is best for you and him and your relationship with each other, versus what the parent wants.
Reply
Unregistered 12:24 PM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Why do you have to give a reason?

"Sorry DCM but being outside at the end of the day works for me. If that doesn't work for you then pick up earlier."


I'd have a super hard time containing my annoyance at this silliness.
Trust me im having a hard time...im changing my hours in the fall to 5pm so she will have to find new care anyway. Ever since he started shes had many crazy concerns and requests...
Reply
kendallina 01:56 PM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
She asked me since hes the only one here after 5pm to take him inside at that time. I like being outside though because its a faster pickup. Do I give in to her request?
I want to say no because I dont want her telling me how to run my business or schedule. But I dont really have a reason to keep him outside if hes the only one..
Your business, your rules. I agree with the others, you do not owe her an excuse. "No, I'm sorry, I stay outside until all the children go home." Honestly, she doesn't sound like she's a good fit for your program. If you're able to let her go, I would say to her that it sounds like it may not be a good fit.
Reply
kendallina 01:57 PM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Why do you have to give a reason?

"Sorry DCM but being outside at the end of the day works for me. If that doesn't work for you then pick up earlier."


I'd have a super hard time containing my annoyance at this silliness.
Yes to bolded (well, to all of it!)!
Reply
Ariana 02:00 PM 06-22-2017
This is such nonesense! She lives on the earth, there is sun, there are ways to protect against the sun, get over it lady

Agree with everyone else I would request she being the proper attire and sun protection or pick up early. Kids need to be outside! We are out at LEAST 2 hours a day unless the weather is too cold or too hot.
Reply
LK5kids 04:24 PM 06-22-2017
This time of year We go out 10:00-11:30 and 3:15-4:30/5:00 in the afternoon.

Sometimes we eat lunch outside too. We always have afternoon snack outside.
Reply
flying_babyb 06:21 PM 06-22-2017
so we do:
9-10
320-420
630-730-8

depending on the heat, so about 3 hrs a day!
Reply
Kajada 04:48 AM 06-23-2017
We spend a lot of time outside. I have siblings that tend to arrive overdressed for the warm weather - leg warmers under pants/shorts, a onesie under a t-shirt and a hoodie, etc. I just take off the extra layers as we go. I rarely put them back on. I put the extra clothes in their bag and occasionally say "Oh they were warm while we were playing outside this morning." Parents are fine with it. If it was a problem, well...? I'm not going to let kids overheat, so I guess I'd either redress them or let the parents know that they need less layers or a new daycare.
Reply
Unregistered 05:12 AM 06-23-2017
Originally Posted by Kajada:
We spend a lot of time outside. I have siblings that tend to arrive overdressed for the warm weather - leg warmers under pants/shorts, a onesie under a t-shirt and a hoodie, etc. I just take off the extra layers as we go. I rarely put them back on. I put the extra clothes in their bag and occasionally say "Oh they were warm while we were playing outside this morning." Parents are fine with it. If it was a problem, well...? I'm not going to let kids overheat, so I guess I'd either redress them or let the parents know that they need less layers or a new daycare.
I would but mom wants the clothes to stay on and him be covered so he is not exposed to the sun.
Reply
Blackcat31 06:23 AM 06-23-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I would but mom wants the clothes to stay on and him be covered so he is not exposed to the sun.
Okay, this is where I'd have a HUGE issue.

Let's say you have a child who's parent doesn't remember to apply sun screen prior to drop off as required and you accept him into care anyways knowing that. You go outside and he gets sunburned.

Most providers view that as the parent's issue because you did require parents to apply before drop off. Ultimately though you are responsible for his health and well being even if the parent didn't do their part.

Soooo, in your situation even though mom requests that he keep his clothing on, I view this as a health risk or at the very least a physical risk. If it is hot outside and mom wants him to wear clothing suitable for temps MUCH lower then he IS at risk for heat exhaustion and/or over heating.

YOU are the person in charge of that moment. If he is too hot with all those layers..... take them off! I don't care what mom says. Mom's DO NOT always know best simply because it is their child. YOU are caring for him at that time. NOT mom. It's YOUR responsibility and liability. NOT mom's.

Again, I would tell mom "This is how I do X. I will NOT do Y. If that does not work for, you need to find a program that better meets your needs"

Mom's insistence and odd behavior is almost worrisome. It's the sun for Pete's sake.....what a silly issue to make into such a mountain. (mom, not you) I can only imagine the future when she's faced with real parenting issues.
Reply
Tags:outside play, outside program
Reply Up