Kids in a heat wave, man—last summer here in Austin, it was like the sun decided to personally roast my family. I’m talking 107° for a week straight, my AC wheezing like it was on its last breath, and my 4-year-old screaming because her popsicle turned into sticky soup before she could finish it. I’m sitting here now, October 31st, fan still going because Texas weather’s drunk, and I keep replaying that one afternoon when I let the kids “just play a little longer” in the yard. Big mistake. Huge. My son’s face went from pink to tomato, and I swear I aged ten years in ten minutes. So yeah, these 7 rules? They’re scraped together from my own dumb moves, not some Pinterest board.
That Time I Almost Cooked My Kid (Kids in a Heat Wave Wake-Up Call)
We were at the neighborhood splash pad—thought it’d be fine, right? Water everywhere. Except the sun was a blowtorch and the “shade” was a skinny tree that gave up halfway. My daughter started whining, then just… stopped. Sat down on the hot concrete and stared at nothing. I scooped her up, her little body hotter than my coffee, and bolted to the car. AC on blast, cold water, me muttering “please don’t be heat stroke” like a prayer. She was okay—dehydrated, cranky, but okay. Doc said I caught it early. Still felt like the worst dad alive. That clammy skin, the way her hair stuck to her forehead… burns in my brain.
The 7 Rules I Actually Follow Now (Kids in a Heat Wave Survival Kit)
Look, I’m no expert. I still forget stuff. But these? These stuck after that scare.
1. Water, Water, Everywhere (Kids in a Heat Wave Hydration Hack)
I used to hand them juice boxes and call it good. Nope. Now it’s water bottles with their names taped on, refilled every hour. I set alarms labeled “DRINK, IDIOT” because I’ll forget otherwise. My son hates plain water, so I freeze berries in ice cubes. Works. Mostly.
2. Clothes That Don’t Trap Heat (Kids in a Heat Wave Fashion Fail)
That unicorn rash guard? Cute. Also a sweat trap. Learned that when my kid peeled it off and had red lines like a grid. Now it’s oversized white tees, my old ones, and hats that actually shade their necks. Bonus: they look like tiny rappers.
3. No Midday Madness (Kids in a Heat Wave Timing)
I’m a morning person anyway, so we’re out by 8 a.m., back before 11. Afternoon? Library, couch forts, whatever. I tried “just 10 more minutes” once. Never again.
4. DIY Cool Zones (Kids in a Heat Wave Budget Edition)
No pool? No problem. I fill the tub with cold water and dump in their bath toys. Looks trashy, works great. Frozen washcloths in a cooler by the door for emergency face wipes. My wife laughed until she used one.
5. Sunscreen Is Not Optional (Kids in a Heat Wave Burn Regret)
I was lazy with reapplying. Thought once was enough. My kid’s shoulders blistered like bacon. Now it’s spray for wigglers, stick for faces, and I set a timer. Still hate the greasy feel, but whatever.
6. Know the Red Flags (Kids in a Heat Wave Panic Button)
Dizzy? Cranky for no reason? No sweat even though it’s hot? Red alert. I keep a cheat sheet on the fridge from the pediatrician. Also memorized 911. Just in case.
7. Plan Like a Neurotic (Kids in a Heat Wave Prep)
Extra diapers, snacks, electrolyte packets in the car. Weather app notifications on. I even bought a cheap battery fan for the stroller. Overkill? Maybe. But I sleep better.
Anyway, kids in a heat wave turn you into a sweaty, paranoid mess, but you figure it out. Or you don’t, and you learn. I’m still learning. If you’ve got a story—good, bad, ugly—drop it below. Or just nod and go check on your kid. I’m gonna go refill water bottles. Again.
(Oh, and the CDC has solid heat info if you want the official version: cdc.gov/heat-health. I bookmark it. You should too.)
