Do you let your kids play sports in the heat?

[connorlevismom]

My son just started T-Ball and is 5 years old. Tomorrow he has T-Ball and it is supposed to be hot and humid and in the 90's. He LOVES T-ball but that heat seems just to much to be running around outside. But, I have never had a kid in sports before so I don't really know the norm.

What do you do?

Kristine

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Yes I let my kids play. Yes they had sunscreen on and the lightest type clothing allowed. Yes they drink tons of water. NO they are not allowed Gator-ade or any other type of drink until after the game.

Hopefully your coach is well aware of precautions for the heat. It's important to know that a cool cloth behind the NECK and behind the KNEES is the quickest way to cool off.

Lastly, you know your child more than anyone. If he plays, just keep an eye on him.

 

[Justin the Hook]

I was a high school soccer coach for 5 years and I would agree with the above poster. Heat is only a factor if they aren't getting enough fluids. Remember if you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. Lots of fluids, lots of fluids, lots of fluids and that means water! I would really stay away from sports drinks for younger children. They are very high in sodium which could have the opposite effect in a small child to rehydrate. Tell him to go out and crush the other team and Ice Cream after the game always helps.

 

[ireland_nicole]

We live in TX, so it doesn't get much hotter anywhere LOL. We do let our DS play through the summer. He's moved up from T-ball to coach pitch this season. We do what the pp's do. esp. the water. I would also add that there isn't all that much running around in t-ball; it's not nearly as active a sport as the older kids little league or soccer. plus, they have shade on their face, and the time of the game is limited. Second the importance of sunscreen!

 

[msmayor]

For the past few years, my son played goaltender for his spring Roller Hockey team...and we had some 90-100 degree days where he played while wearing a protective girdle, full chest protector with arm protection, full leg pads and helmet...plus had a glove and blocker on. Standing in full sun on a concrete playing surface that probably hit 110 degrees. He did fine.

He also played baseball through the end of July...catcher's position...another role that had him wearing a lot of tight-fitting equipment on his already-hot body.

The key? As others have said, sufficient hydration. He'd go through 2-3 gatorades during the game. But be careful as to how much your son drinks in one shot: too much and he gets what they call "water belly" and it can actually make them throw up. Lots of hydration, but in short spurts...not gulped big.

Second, I had a half-gallon cooler with ice water and two iced towels. Every single time there was a break in the action he put one towel behind his neck and the other on his head. At each break, I'd wet them down with the ice water in the cooler to 'refresh' them.

Common sense about keeping cool, and a coach willing to listen if his player says "take me out" are key.

Make sure your son eats at least a FULL hour before the game for energy, allowing enough time for digestion to start. Bad to start a game in the heat on a full stomach.

For the time prior to games, don't allow him to spend too much time in the heat. Reserving energy for the heat of the day is important.

After the game, home and into a lukewarm shower.

 

[sk!mom]

We live in TX, so it doesn't get much hotter anywhere LOL. We do let our DS play through the summer. He's moved up from T-ball to coach pitch this season. We do what the pp's do. esp. the water. I would also add that there isn't all that much running around in t-ball; it's not nearly as active a sport as the older kids little league or soccer. plus, they have shade on their face, and the time of the game is limited. Second the importance of sunscreen!

Another Texan here- If we didn't let our kids outside in the heat they'd have about a 3 month sports window Seriously, it's so hot here (already a few days of 106/107/108) that we drink a lot of water as a general rule, buy sunscreen in bulk, and don't even think about changing our plans.

Water, water, water and sunscreen.

 

[momofrrr]

Another Texas Mom (almost to Galveston) and I think it is harder for us to sit and watch than it is for our daughter to play soccer. She is 17 so we have spent many a scorcher watching her play but we would not have it any other way and neither would she. A good coach will be sure that they stay hydrated and a good shower when they get home will make them good as new.

 

[princessmom29]

With the heat index it has been 110-115 here every day for 2 weeks. Sports og on. I say let him play and make sure he stays hydrated. That's what we have done since I was achild and never had a problem. We were routinely out for 12 plus hour days for softball tournaments and marching band clinics. Temps in the 90's are a fact of life here. It won't be back under 90 for the high before mid-September here.

 

[locolala]

When I was a kid, I used to compete in horse shows year round.. and here it can get upwards of 100 degrees with 90% humidity. Horse show clothes consist of long pants, tall leather boots, a long sleeve shirt, a helmet, and a dark wool type jacket. I did this for many years.. the jacket is a requirement for the type of classes I did. My mom made sure I stayed hydrated and stayed in the shade as much as possible. Just do that with your son and I'm sure he'll be fine. Think about the kids who used to work in the fields for hours on end.. kids of today wouldn't survive it..

 

[puffkin]

Of course you should let him play! Load up on the sunscreen, drink lots of water (do not wait til he is thirsty...have him drink some water every few minutes) and let him have fun. Also, I wouldn't be too worried about t-ball...there isn't too much running going on in that sport

 

[LWatson]

Another Mom in TX (El Paso), and my kids do both play outside (not quite sports ages yet). I played softball in TN growing up all summer (14years of it) and you just have to remember to keep them drinking water.

 

[tricia]

Second, I had a half-gallon cooler with ice water and two iced towels. Every single time there was a break in the action he put one towel behind his neck and the other on his head. At each break, I'd wet them down with the ice water in the cooler to 'refresh' them.

I was going to suggest this also. I used to bring a cooler of ice water with a few face cloths to my womens' soccer games when it was really hot. It was very refreshing to be able to wipe yourself down with a cool, wet cloth once in a while.

 

[mom_2_K'Lynn]

I know how you feel because we just played t-ball today in 95 degree heat not including humidity. This may be normal for some people, but we are from WI and this is probably only the 2nd extreme temperature we have had this year. We have kids ranging from 4 to 8 and everyone did really good. We did buy dixie cups and have a huge water jug that we forced every player on our team to take something to drink everytime we came back in the dugout. We also required them all to wear either a hat or visor to help shade the sun. The running wasn't the problem most of it was the kids in the field standing in the baking sun while kids were missing the ball or trying to get outs. I do understand your concern as each and every one of the kids' faces were beat red. We just really stayed on them to hydrate and kept them all in the shade right up until game time. It was okay, but I also suggest keeping your child in air conditioning for a while before the game as some kids were outside playing and they were soooo exhausted before we even started. Just watch really close and you should be fine!!! Good Luck!!!!

 

[mjantz]

We don't do sports but we're active in the Ren Faire community. Lots of garb & no air conditioning can make people drop like flies. I recommend alternating water & some form of gatorade or filling his water bottles with 1/2 water & 1/2 gatorade. My DH does the 1/2 & 1/2 thing because of the amount of sugar in gatorade. Also, make sure that he has access to liquids & is drinking them regularly. We have to watch or DS because he sometimes doesn't drink & then gets to feeling bad.
Finally (& this may be just me), I either take my shoes off once I get in the car or put on some sandals if I'm driving. Setting the car AC on face & feet with bare feet really helps me cool down.

 

[Pixieflip]

The key to truly hydrating yourself or your child is to drink lots of water during the day before the game, not just while you're in the heat.

Anyone watching the CWS? We're in Omaha, too, and yesterdays heat index was over 110 and they college guys were taking IV's during and after the game! And my 8 year old had a game at 5:30. We had ice water and dish towels and just kept them on their necks any time they were in the dugout and it really did help. Next time I'm bringing my own!

 

[PoohHappens]

Everyone has given you great advice. Water water water. I wanted to add I noticed per your ticker you are pregnant, congratulations. If you are going to be watching the game YOU must drink lots of water even though you are not playing. Pregnant women dehydrate very quickly, especially in heat, even with little to no activity. I am an OB nurse and have been for years and our visits to the hospital and office increase with a hot day. Try a hat or unbrella or find a shady spot and make sure you have lots of water. Have fun and good luck to your son.

 

[connorlevismom]

I know how you feel because we just played t-ball today in 95 degree heat not including humidity. This may be normal for some people, but we are from WI and this is probably only the 2nd extreme temperature we have had this year. We have kids ranging from 4 to 8 and everyone did really good. We did buy dixie cups and have a huge water jug that we forced every player on our team to take something to drink everytime we came back in the dugout. We also required them all to wear either a hat or visor to help shade the sun. The running wasn't the problem most of it was the kids in the field standing in the baking sun while kids were missing the ball or trying to get outs. I do understand your concern as each and every one of the kids' faces were beat red. We just really stayed on them to hydrate and kept them all in the shade right up until game time. It was okay, but I also suggest keeping your child in air conditioning for a while before the game as some kids were outside playing and they were soooo exhausted before we even started. Just watch really close and you should be fine!!! Good Luck!!!!

Exactly, we are in MN and we had an extreme heat warning all day here. We are not used to this kind of weather like others are. But, I did let him go and play and took everyone's advice and it worked out fine. The coaches ended practice 15 min early because of the heat and we dumped whatever was left of his water over the back of his neck and down his back. It worked fine and he did really well. With all the water drinking though there were lots of potty breaks and the potty is pretty far from the field.

Everyone has given you great advice. Water water water. I wanted to add I noticed per your ticker you are pregnant, congratulations. If you are going to be watching the game YOU must drink lots of water even though you are not playing. Pregnant women dehydrate very quickly, especially in heat, even with little to no activity. I am an OB nurse and have been for years and our visits to the hospital and office increase with a hot day. Try a hat or unbrella or find a shady spot and make sure you have lots of water. Have fun and good luck to your son.

Thanks for the advice. I was a little nervous about myself but it worked out great. Along with my sons water bottle I filled one for myself and sipped on it the whole time. It was HOT!

Kristine

 

[jme829]

Exactly, we are in MN and we had an extreme heat warning all day here. We are not used to this kind of weather like others are. But, I did let him go and play and took everyone's advice and it worked out fine. The coaches ended practice 15 min early because of the heat and we dumped whatever was left of his water over the back of his neck and down his back. It worked fine and he did really well. With all the water drinking though there were lots of potty breaks and the potty is pretty far from the field.



Thanks for the advice. I was a little nervous about myself but it worked out great. Along with my sons water bottle I filled one for myself and sipped on it the whole time. It was HOT!

Kristine

We;re in Wi too (on WI/MN border) and we are actually used to the heat as we are from Ohio (Toledo) and have only been here 2 years. We had the humidity to deal with in Ohio too, But yes, my dd10 plays summer soccer AND softball and ds plays baseball. At dd's soccer game Monday, the ref called water breaks every 15 min or so and since its only a developmental rec league, the girls rotate in and out of the game every few stops, so each time dd would come out I made sure to have her drink water and I would also pour water on her neck and head. DS had a game last night and again, water when he was on the bench, but luckily even though it was hot yesterday, by the time his game started it started cooling down and wasn't too bad.

The funny thing though is being here in WI, dd had a soccer game two weeks ago where we had sweatshirts, blankets, etc.. (yes in June) and the girls were wearing coats out on the field. So we went from one extreme to the other literally within 14 days!

DD16 used to play softball and soccer, but now I am sooo glad she is soley focused on Volleyball-get to stay indoors with no worries about the weather!

 

[PoohHappens]

Exactly, we are in MN and we had an extreme heat warning all day here. We are not used to this kind of weather like others are. But, I did let him go and play and took everyone's advice and it worked out fine. The coaches ended practice 15 min early because of the heat and we dumped whatever was left of his water over the back of his neck and down his back. It worked fine and he did really well. With all the water drinking though there were lots of potty breaks and the potty is pretty far from the field.



Thanks for the advice. I was a little nervous about myself but it worked out great. Along with my sons water bottle I filled one for myself and sipped on it the whole time. It was HOT!

Kristine

Glad it went well and good work with the hydration. Where are you in MN, we moved to IN 6 years ago from MN. We have baseball tonight and I am slightly behind you--22weeks-- and I was planning on skipping out as it is in the 90s. However, my DS just asked me to come so I may be packing the chair, the umbrella, and the water. We shall see. I can't sit long on the bleachers and I know we will be 2 hrs tonight. I feel like I am making to big a deal of myself, but I must take care of myself and the baby. I have other medical issues that make the pregnancy more of an issue, DS is adopted and this came as a surprise to us. We have been married 16 years next month. I really am glad it all worked out well, keep drinking water the rest of the day to make up for the extra loss you would have had in the heat.

 

[arje]

1 more thing, and I don't think it's been mentioned yet, with the water, make sure they are drinking water constantly for DAYS before they play as well. Obviously drinking the necessary 8 glasses a day for health is spot on, but just drinkning on the day and during the game can not be enough sometimes. I coach kids sports and as you could imagine we get some hot days here (in Australia) as well. At the start of our winter sports season, our temps can be mid to high 30s (celcius) for lengthy periods and I tell all my kids to make sure they drink during the week and bring plenty to the game.