Grasshopper New Media Presents...

When the 4th of July rolls around we pack up and head to the Maine coast for a few days. That in itself is not unique as we also do it as often as is possible throughout the summer. What is unique about this trip is that we meet up with about 31 of our nearest and dearest: my mom, my 6 siblings, their 5 spouses and their 19 children.

It is what really kicks off our summer and what I begin to look forward to starting every October. I live in Maine, I love Maine, for the 7 weeks of summer. 49-ish days where we can be in the ocean and lakes that are as essential to us as air.

By “us,” I mean our small family unit. Each of the 5 of us seem to crave the Atlantic and our steps lighten when we speak of it. We drive farther than we might so that we can body surf, boogie board and lobster hunt. Each of us submerges in the water and the experience and we drive away exhausted yet exhilarated.

Planning and executing these excursions can be stressful. But there are ways to reduce the hassle and increase the enjoyment factor.

1. Sunscreen: apply liberally to the Punks at home (or the hotel) before they even don their swim suits. Remember especially along the hairline, part, or in some instances, the entire scalp. Remember tops of feet and the ears. Most sunscreen suggests application prior to sun exposure. So, by doing it at home you are following instructions AND reducing the at the beach battle when the kids are dying to hit the waves and spots will surely be missed. Reapply often. Again, most sunscreen suggests reapplication after only 80 minutes if those minutes are spent in the water (2 hours if not in the water).

2. Shade: When you are at the beach on a sunny day for hours and hours, it’s essential to provide a break from the sun from time to time. Hats, umbrellas, sunglasses and t shirts (or swim shirts) provide a break. But more fun? Digging a hole and building a fort with beach chairs and towels will provide a long cool break for lunch or snacks. My Punks and their cousins have been known to build forts big enough to feed 10 kids quite comfortably.

3. Hydration: Bring more water than you think you need. Offer sips to the kids more often than you think you should. Bring juice boxes or water bottles full of juice. I try to really push the fluids but there are still too many nights when my kids awaken in the wee ours because they are very thirsty.

4. Sand removal: Keep (Talc free) baby powder in your beach bag. This is key for removing sand during diaper changes and from feet and..(in the absence of showers) well… everywhere before heading home. Talc free is key for safety but once the sand is gone you can use a baby wipe to remove the powder if it’s worrisome for you.

5. Napping: My brother and his wife are masters at getting their children to nap under a beach umbrella. That never worked for me. What did work was a jogging stroller and low tide. Mom (or whomever) got a nice long walk and the movement was far too soothing for the Punk to resist the nap.

6. Play. Don’t forget to play. This is a post for another day… like next week, when I’ll come home ready to share pictures!

Your turn: what works for you at the beach?

by Megin Hatch

Photo graciously provided by the author, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved.