The summer sun can suck the life right out of your kids, so while it's great to get outdoors every day, there are a few simple things families can do to play safe.

Stay hydrated! Infants and children up to 4 years old are among those with the highest risk of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Make sure they're drinking lots of water! And while older children love to play outside and splash in the pool, they may not think to stop and ask for a drink or rest in the shade every now and then. 

Beat the heat! Dress children in loose, light weight clothing, wide brimmed hats and UV protection sunglasses. Apply sunscreen on your child at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours, or after swimming. If your child is in care, ask teachers to apply sunscreen before any outdoor activities. Kids (and pets!) are at high risk for heat illnesses or death if left in a hot car, even if the windows are cracked and even if it's only for a few minutes. Never leave a child unattended in a car.

Gear up! Insist your children wear proper-fitting helmets when riding bikes and knee and elbow pads for skateboards and scooters. Brain injuries are estimated to be prevented by proper helmet wear by 85 percent.

Swim safe! Water sources of any kind are a potential drowning hazard, especially for young children and weak swimmers. Even if your child is a good swimmer, boat safety means fitting them with an appropriate sized life jacket. Never leave a child unsupervised when around water.   

Got an itch? Summer brings out the creepy-crawlies so be prepared for bee stings, wasps and ticks. Check your child's body for ticks, especially if you have been camping or playing in grassy, brushy or wooden areas. Have your child wear long sleeve shirts and long pants with high socks and boots. Tuck your child's pant legs into his socks and use a tick repellent. And don't forget about poison ivy! Learn to identify types of rashes and standard over-the-counter treatments.

Summer means longer, lazier, sometimes crazier days. Families spend more time together, and though some of the best memories are made during this season, the carefree schedule and hot temperatures may cause tempers to flare. Here are some ways to keep the family calm, cool and collected this summer:

Keep Calm

• Sleep: Though summer naturally lends itself to a more relaxed schedule, small children still need plenty of sleep at night in order to make it through the longer days. Midday naps help alleviate fatigue and keep irritability at bay.
• Meals: Rumbly tummies make for grouchy children and adults! There's a lot to be said for eating a healthy, well balanced breakfast, lunch and dinner with small, nutritious snacks in between (keep them on hand for car trips and outings).
• Routine: You don't need a set in stone schedule, but having some sort of shape and plan lets children know what to expect and eases anxiety and boredom.

Keep Cool

• Weather reports: Check these regularly and plan accordingly. Few things are more frustrating for children or parents than being rained out of a picnic or swimming.
• Age-appropriate activities: Beware of too much exposure to sun or outings that are too lengthy. Remember: what's fun for the big kids may not always work for the little ones.

Keep Collected

• Be organized and plan ahead: Having a game plan that includes research on the least crowded days for amusement parks and most kid-friendly options lessens lengthy wait times and frustration. Let kids weigh in on what they'd like to do. They're more likely to stay engaged when you've tapped into their interests.
• Be together: Travel can be stressful. Keeping a variety of toys, games, music and books in the car for long and short trips alike may cause children to ask "Are we there yet?" less frequently. If you feel this cuts down on the amount of time that the family is interacting, consider this: They'll be in a better mood when they do talk. And that makes for more meaningful family together time.