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View Full Version : grr suncream rant



mushpea
08-04-2011, 05:40 PM
this last week we have been lucky enough to have some lovley warm sunshine,, I sent letters home wednesday to all parents to ask them to send cream, hat and also to apply suncream before arrival,, one child out of the 10 I look after has got it right!! they either come with hat and no cream or cream and no hat, in the letter it states that no cream or hat then no playing outside or if we are at a park then child will be kept in the shade,, holidays next week and I can see a few tearful children cause I dont want to be responisble for sunburnt children or them getting heat stroke. and yes I could keep spare hats and buy some cheap suncream but why should I ,, its not hard to send them each day with your child and I am not using my cream cause they may be allergic and its expensive too.

miffy
08-04-2011, 05:44 PM
I ask parents to send me a bottle of their child's sun cream to keep here - not that I want to store a load of bottles but it's easier than trying to get them to remember to put sun cream in their child's bag each day.

Miffy xx

Pipsqueak
08-04-2011, 05:44 PM
Can you not pop to primark and buy a selection of hats that you keep at yours. I think that is what I would do.

I understand its the parents responsibility ultimately though and you'd think they 'get it'.

I might buy suncream - detail on a sheet which one i am using and get parents to sign permission.... but then again I might not....

snufflepuff
08-04-2011, 05:51 PM
I posted similar the other day, and last summer!!! I'd feel so awful if a child got sunburn while in my care. I usually lend one of my sons hats but he only has one left now so none to lend out until i get time to buy more. I also use his suncream on mindee but I really resent doing it because I don't see it as my responsibility to provide these things!!!

mushpea
08-04-2011, 05:56 PM
Can you not pop to primark and buy a selection of hats that you keep at yours. I think that is what I would do.

I understand its the parents responsibility ultimately though and you'd think they 'get it'.

I might buy suncream - detail on a sheet which one i am using and get parents to sign permission.... but then again I might not....

but why should i spend my money on hats for their children? i did actualy do this one year but they would loose them and as somone pointed out there is the hygine thing,, sweaty heads, nits etc, I am happy for them to leave their bags here with spare clothes, hats, cream and drinks bottles in all week but parents just forget to send it all,,,plus if i buy spare hats then i have to store them and I dont want lots of extra bits and peices here,,surley its not that hard to remember to send a hat and cream!

venus89
08-04-2011, 06:15 PM
I've just been keeping them in the sun for limited amounts of time rather than refusing to let them go out at all...... If they gradually build up their exposure to the sun then by the summer they'll be tanned and be naturally protected..... Of course, ideally the parents will send the suncream and there would be no problem but......

kel1983
08-04-2011, 06:33 PM
one of my LO's turned up with suncream on, a bottle of suncream, hat and coat today. I was very impressed. Didnt expect his mum to be that organised

cuddlybunny38
08-04-2011, 06:33 PM
Think this is a problem everywhere, I buy asda factor 50 when its on special just incase children come with none, which is most days lol. The thing is if you think about it schools/ nurserys/ playschools dont provide suncream if a child has none, but we feel guilty if we dont do it. lol x

onceinabluemoon
08-04-2011, 06:35 PM
but why should i spend my money on hats for their children?


I can't tell you why you should but I can tell you why I do:

For the cost of one hour's childcare pay I can buy a good sun hat with peak and neck cover for each child I mind. (And today I did just that). Because they have one each there is no issues with hygiene and they all get washed regularly. The hats simply hang on the kiddies pegs so don't take up any extra room. Certainly much less room than having to store lots of bags and stuff.

For the cost of another hour's childcare fee I can buy a bottle of decent suncream that will last the whole summer. The money I spend on these will be offset against my wages so I will pay less tax and I'd rather the children benefit than the taxman. It's good for me because I only have to take one bottle out with me, not 6 different bottles!

I have a duty of care to the children I mind and its up to me to keep them safe, this includes getting burned by the sun just as it includes being burned in the kitchen.

I promise parents I will never belittle their children or treat them differently to any other child for any reason, this includes reasons caused by parents.

Whilst the parent may be 'too busy' or 'too forgetful' or simply not caring enough, I *do* care, am not too busy or too forgetful and I will not make any child suffer for their parents' mistakes.

Because I do all this and more the parents know I really do care about their children, the children know I care for them and feel as if they are a part of our family. Sure sometimes the parents really take me for granted and sometimes do not realise what a good deal they have but I know I am worth the outstanding tag I have, the children know I will always, unconditionally, take care of them while they are with me (and sometimes beyond that)

For me this is what childminding is all about - Caring about the kiddies.

venus89
08-04-2011, 06:39 PM
I can't tell you why you should but I can tell you why I do:

For the cost of one hour's childcare pay I can buy a good sun hat with peak and neck cover for each child I mind. (And today I did just that). Because they have one each there is no issues with hygiene and they all get washed regularly. The hats simply hang on the kiddies pegs so don't take up any extra room. Certainly much less room than having to store lots of bags and stuff.

For the cost of another hour's childcare fee I can buy a bottle of decent suncream that will last the whole summer. The money I spend on these will be offset against my wages so I will pay less tax and I'd rather the children benefit than the taxman. It's good for me because I only have to take one bottle out with me, not 6 different bottles!

I have a duty of care to the children I mind and its up to me to keep them safe, this includes getting burned by the sun just as it includes being burned in the kitchen.

I promise parents I will never belittle their children or treat them differently to any other child for any reason, this includes reasons caused by parents.

Whilst the parent may be 'too busy' or 'too forgetful' or simply not caring enough, I *do* care, am not too busy or too forgetful and I will not make any child suffer for their parents' mistakes.

Because I do all this and more the parents know I really do care about their children, the children know I care for them and feel as if they are a part of our family. Sure sometimes the parents really take me for granted and sometimes do not realise what a good deal they have but I know I am worth the outstanding tag I have, the children know I will always, unconditionally, take care of them while they are with me (and sometimes beyond that)

For me this is what childminding is all about - Caring about the kiddies.

*applauds* - you've sold me!

mushpea
08-04-2011, 06:46 PM
right and when I apply my cream to a child and they have an allergic reaction I am 'caring' about their child,,,, when I let them out in the sun to play without a hat and cream cause the parent didnt send it and the child gets burnt i am being 'kind' to the child so they dont miss out

sorry but it dosent take a lot to send cream and a hat, nurserys dont provide the children with hats and cream

I dont have to carry 6 bottles of suncream because they carry their own cream in their own bags along with their spare clothes and drinks bottles,

next I wont be a caring childminder because I dont provide spare clothes or rain coats

I dont have the room to store extra of everything

I dont treat the chidren differently, we all go out and if parents dont send the right stuff then the child plays but in the shade so they dont become unwell or burnt

Playmate
08-04-2011, 06:59 PM
I think to be honest people have been caught out this week including me :blush: I allows throw suncream away at the end of a season as it loses its effectiveness by the following year. How often do we use suncream during the 1st week in April :rolleyes: One of my parents had a new bottle which she very kndly allowed us to all share (with permission of course :D ) I always keep spare for when we are out and about (don't have room in the bag for 6 bottles)so will be off shopping this weekend. As for hats I do keep a bag of spares, usually ones that have been left by previous children, allocate one per child and wash when necessary.

mushpea
08-04-2011, 07:08 PM
ok folks ,, I give in,,,, i will buy a cheap bottle of cream and 10 hats BUT do i need permision to use my cream on the kids and if so how do I word this and on the permision do I need to state the cream i will keep,,,,
was thinking along the lines of
'if your child forgets their hat i will lend them one of mine,, I am happy to supply sun cream at a cost of 50p per week or you can continue to supply your own. If your child is allergic to any type of suncream then it is best if you supply your own. please indicate below if you would like me to supply cream and sign to say you agree to this.
yes please supply cream at a cost of 50p a week

no I will supply my own

signed ........'

how does this sound?

also with the hats can i just bung them in a box and the just pick one from the box or do they need to have one with their name in?

Allie
08-04-2011, 07:17 PM
I supply suncream if it's forgotten and have a supply of sunhats just in case, I also have wellingtons and splash suits for everyone, really good long sleeved aprons for food and seperate ones for art. I'm just about to buy sunsuits for my little ones for waterplay.

I thought this was just part of my caring role and have never worried about it
I expect to spend a proportion of my income providing outings, toys and equipment including the above.

Allie

venus89
08-04-2011, 07:42 PM
I also thought there were issues with allergies.... That's why I don't apply mine to them.

babs
08-04-2011, 07:44 PM
i have extra hats available if they dont come with one, each child has thier own also i provide sun cream if its not in bag this has been discussed with parents and permission slips signed i tell them which brand im using and ask if they are allergic to it... note on nurserys our local sure start centre provides each child with a hat that have a peak and neck cover they have different colours for each room and the children all know they dont go outside without it, tbh they look so cute when they all come out, not sure if they provide suncream though.

mushpea
08-04-2011, 07:53 PM
i have extra hats available if they dont come with one, each child has thier own also i provide sun cream if its not in bag this has been discussed with parents and permission slips signed i tell them which brand im using and ask if they are allergic to it... note on nurserys our local sure start centre provides each child with a hat that have a peak and neck cover they have different colours for each room and the children all know they dont go outside without it, tbh they look so cute when they all come out, not sure if they provide suncream though.

thats good,, do they just pick a hat to wear or do they have named hats,, just thinking of the hygine thing,, would be easier if they didnt have to wear the same one each time though

babs
08-04-2011, 08:01 PM
thats good,, do they just pick a hat to wear or do they have named hats,, just thinking of the hygine thing,, would be easier if they didnt have to wear the same one each time though

at mine they have their own i go out and buy pick them up for next to nothing in sales ones that are same we mark them so they know who's is who's and i throw them in wash every night. at sure start they have their own too when they start they are given one each only thing i dont know is who washes them...

louise
08-04-2011, 08:06 PM
Those of you that do not like carrying around all the bottles I put my sons into a smaller bottle from superdrug. Its perfect for carrying around and I have to have one just for him as I get his on prescription as he has an allergy to sun light so has to have it on every 2-3 hours.

Dragonfly
08-04-2011, 08:10 PM
Sorry mine must be very unhygenic :blush: but if the parent/carer forgets the childs hats for what ever reason they can borrow the ones i have brought, all the same so i know they are mine:) . I dont provide sun cream as I also thought of the allergy thing?
It always amazes me the slightest bit of sunshine and out comes the suncream no wonder rickets is making a come back:laughing:

mushpea
08-04-2011, 08:13 PM
Those of you that do not like carrying around all the bottles I put my sons into a smaller bottle from superdrug. Its perfect for carrying around and I have to have one just for him as I get his on prescription as he has an allergy to sun light so has to have it on every 2-3 hours.

I apply the cream every 2hrs anyway ,, the reason I am so hot on the 'bring your own' thing is because my son suffers from excema and if he uses a different cream it flares up and he suffers badly and I would hate to see other children suffer like this if i use the wrong cream on them

onceinabluemoon
08-04-2011, 08:15 PM
The day nursery and the holiday club I used to work for supplied hats and cream. Obviously I cant say about others.

With regard to allergies, I simply ask the parents if their child is allergic to any suncreams and then buy accordingly and get written signed permission to use.

WRT your sunhat question Mushpea, You could do either, whichever you liked. Just a thought but of you kept them in a drawstring bag rather than a box would they take up less room?

mushpea
08-04-2011, 08:21 PM
The day nursery and the holiday club I used to work for supplied hats and cream. Obviously I cant say about others.

With regard to allergies, I simply ask the parents if their child is allergic to any suncreams and then buy accordingly and get written signed permission to use.

WRT your sunhat question Mushpea, You could do either, whichever you liked. Just a thought but of you kept them in a drawstring bag rather than a box would they take up less room?

good idea thanks,, would be easier to grab the bag if we are going in the car too i guess,,,have found some hats on amazon age 4-8yrs £1.50 each, I have bought 10 hats,, i bought white ones so that i can write my name and number on them for added saftey when we are out

onceinabluemoon
08-04-2011, 08:23 PM
good idea thanks,, would be easier to grab the bag if we are going in the car too i guess,,,have found some hats on amazon age 4-8yrs £1.50 each, I have bought 10 hats,, i bought white ones so that i can write my name and number on them for added saftey when we are out

Also good advertising :)

Be sure to put the receipts in your tax box!

snufflepuff
08-04-2011, 08:28 PM
I think it's all very well saying that this is part of our role as a childcarer, and that's a fair point, but where does it end? Children need food, nappies, wipes, sun cream, sun hats, wellies, waterproofs, winter coat, winter hat, gloves, an apron for crafts, an apron for meal times...... I don't know about others but I can't spend all my earnings on things for the children. I need to make a bit of a profit, otherwise why bother? I think most of the things in that list are the parent's responsibility, not ours. Many of us end up supplying these things not because we feel it is our repsonsibility but because a parent has failed to do so and we are too kind and caring to let a child get sunburn/ get cold and wet in winter etc.


Those of you that do not like carrying around all the bottles I put my sons into a smaller bottle from superdrug. Its perfect for carrying around

I do this too. Well, I did last year, this year i've got a little roll on for him, no bigger than a deoderant.

moogster1a
09-04-2011, 06:17 AM
You must all live somewhere a lot hotter than me. I thought it was sunny but only about 18 deg. in England? Maybe the parents don't want their kids to get rickets!
I'm with Venus. Let them get their natural sun protection with a bit of a tan.
I used to work in cancer research and there is far more of a risk from the carcinogens in sunscreen than there is from getting a tan.
I'd never put the very high factor stuff on kids. Factor 20 at the most.That still gives about 10 hours protection in the hottest weather. Factor 50 has far more carcinogens with no added benefit.
In fact, why do people use such a harsh cream? I think people get confused and think it gives more proection, whereas it actually gives longer protection.

marnieb
09-04-2011, 06:34 AM
I've asked all my parents, and so far none have supplied!! On Thursday we were at the farm all day (parents have known for at least 3 weeks we were going!), and both mindees turned up with nothing!!!

So if I didn't supply hats ( 2yr old mindee had to wear dd's bright pink one!! :) ) and suncream on that day then we wouldn't have been able to go......

Pipsqueak
09-04-2011, 08:13 AM
Blue - once again a fab reasoned reply.


Some of the families that I provide care for (I am thinking of some old clients) would NEVER have even understood why a hat and cream needed to be supplied let alone applied. For that reason alone I would never have hesiatated to provide a hat and cream so these children could enjoy their childhoods.

venus89
09-04-2011, 11:59 AM
Sorry mine must be very unhygenic :blush: but if the parent/carer forgets the childs hats for what ever reason they can borrow the ones i have brought, all the same so i know they are mine:) . I dont provide sun cream as I also thought of the allergy thing?
It always amazes me the slightest bit of sunshine and out comes the suncream no wonder rickets is making a come back:laughing:

Well they share dressing up hats and clothes and you can't wash those between each use.....

louise
09-04-2011, 04:22 PM
You must all live somewhere a lot hotter than me. I thought it was sunny but only about 18 deg. in England? Maybe the parents don't want their kids to get rickets!
I'm with Venus. Let them get their natural sun protection with a bit of a tan.
I used to work in cancer research and there is far more of a risk from the carcinogens in sunscreen than there is from getting a tan.
I'd never put the very high factor stuff on kids. Factor 20 at the most.That still gives about 10 hours protection in the hottest weather. Factor 50 has far more carcinogens with no added benefit.
In fact, why do people use such a harsh cream? I think people get confused and think it gives more proection, whereas it actually gives longer protection.

My ds is going to have no luck then. His skin has already flared up(actinic purigo) and will carry on until Oct. I've always hated having to use eumovate and dermovate to help his itches but now suncream that stops him looking like a spot the dot book has something in it. He has to have factor 50 as said by the skins specialist at St Thomas.

Dragonfly
09-04-2011, 06:32 PM
Moogster1a -
I read that Rickets is making a come back because as soon as the sun appears people start slapping sun cream on the children,(I do not) no i dont think it has been hot enough to start over loading children with sun cream, I totally agree with you.

mushpea
09-04-2011, 06:49 PM
wedensday and thursday it go in to its 20s here and if it were june then we would put it on no problem but because its april its not hot enough?? surley early 20s is hot enough to put the cream on and protect the children especialy as wednesday we were at the zoo all day out in the full sun. at the end of the day as much as I care about the children and dont want them to suffer if the children get sunburnt then its my that gets in trouble and I dont want that nor am i being a caring childminder if I let them burn and belive me on wednesday I didnt put cream on myself and I had a very red neck that evening,, it quite shocked me that I could burn in april but I guess thats the joy of our unpredictable weather,, will probably snow all next week:laughing:

anyway after lots of listning to you folks and other minding friends my final descion is to provide hats but let the parent provide the cream so I dont need to worry about allergies,,

onceinabluemoon
10-04-2011, 05:29 AM
wedensday and thursday it go in to its 20s here and if it were june then we would put it on no problem but because its april its not hot enough??

Totally agree!

My teenage sons went out yesterday and came back with sunburned faces...

Little toads went when I was making a business phone call so didn't get nagged to take sun cream, mobiles, etc and like many others thought it wasn't hot enough.

I guess they were all wrong :(

donnam
10-04-2011, 08:37 AM
I give my parents plenty of notice before the sun is even out to send a named bottle of factor 50 sun cream and hat to leave at mine,i will not supply sun cream due to allergies.

Zoomie
10-04-2011, 09:31 AM
I come from southern Africa and often the temperature in the middle of winter, doesn't drop much below 20 in the day time, and we most certainly do not put sun cream on during the winter.

I ask my parents to apply suncream before they arrive and have a spare bottle in their bag, but my general outlook with regards to suncream is that I will only apply it if I think they are likely to spend time in the sun that will result in them getting sun burnt.

A 10-20 minute stint in the garden, with some shady spots and I genereally don't put suncream on, but a walk down to the park, which will result in 30+ mins of sun exposure and then I will apply it.

My outlook is a bit of sun, which results in a bit of colouring and essential exposure to vitamin D, is fine.