THE hot weather is always welcome in the UK, and while it’s fun during the day, the nighttime is another story.
Trying to sleep in the heat is near impossible, and you end up spending most of the night tossing and turning in a sweaty mess.
Too hot to sleep? We have four hacks to help you snooze[/caption]
A hot water bottle isn’t just for the colder months[/caption]
Fortunately, many people have tips and tricks to stay cool while snoozing and they’ve been gracious enough to share them.
With hot weather expected later this week, you’ll want to take note of them.
One hack that kept coming up from users on Mumsnet was to use a hot water bottle, yes, even in the summer.
One wrote: “In praise of the cold water bottle.
“It’s just a hot water bottle filled with cold water, but it’s so helpful when it’s really hot.
“I’ve had the first one of the year tonight.”
Many agreed that the hack was vital to staying cool in the summer.
You simply fill the water bottle with a small amount of cold water and stick it in the freezer until frozen.
Then you want to place it at the bottom of your bed to keep you cool all night long.
However, you shouldn’t use the same hot water bottle for hot water in winter and freezing in summer, as it can weaken the rubber.
If you can, buy two hot water bottles and change them for each task.
Others were also quick to share their cheap hacks to keep cool at night as well.
One wrote: “Second this, I usually just wrap it in a very light cloth.
“Between that and stealing the cat’s cooling mat it’s very comfortable!”
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you’ve come to the right place…
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.
“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”
“A couple of years ago I discovered the dog cooling mats, stick it under the sheet and enjoy full body coolness,” another added.
You can purchase these cooling mats, which don’t have to go in the freezer or fridge beforehand for as little as £5 from Wilkos.
Parents also offered their tips, and made the most out of the hundreds of muslin clothes they had lying around.
One mum said: “I give the kids a damp, very well wrung out muslin when it’s horrible and hot.
“They are magic for cooling you off, and if they warm up you just need to flap them about a bit and they cool down again!
“Perfect for getting to sleep with.”
