The weather is hot and humid, the cool breeze is not exactly cool and you are struggling to be comfortable in any attire and location. Welcome to summer in India!
Kay sweats a lot and as a mother, I want her to feel and look fresh and confident through the day. Since she is a footballer and an athlete, physical activity and strenuous exercises are a part of our everyday routine- I have done a lot of reading and research on how to help her feel and look fresh even when the weather is not conducive for it.
Excessive sweating, usually, happens when children hit or are about to hit puberty. This condition is called Hyperhidrosis and usually, these children sweat up to 5 times more than other kids. While this is not a common condition, at least, I find the children to be too young for any medical or medicinal intervention.
Kay does not have Hyperhidrosis but even if she did, it wouldn’t make any difference to me now in how she goes through the day. I don’t believe that you can solve excessive sweating by remaining in a cool atmosphere through the day. I cannot stop her from playing sports or stepping outdoors without air conditioning.
Here, are a few tips that I feel, can help your child feel at ease when she’s sweaty and has the day ahead of her:
- The basic and most important way to always remain fresh, HYDRATE! I give Kay everything from warm water, electrolyte water, lemon and mint juice, chocolate milk- she dedicates her drink of the day and she carries two bottles wherever she goes- water and juice/shake/smoothie. It is also a myth that when you have cold water in hot climates your body temperature will go down- I have noticed that it only leads to catching a cold as the extreme temperature differences lead to lowering your immunity.
- Children are too young for antiperspirants and deodorants but I have noticed that when I apply a sandalwood powder or an antibacterial powder, it helps her feel less sticky throughout the day. There are special powders that are prone to reduce sweat and at least, I feel, that is safer than antiperspirant deodorants and perfumes for our children’s young and sensitive skin.
- Most importantly, work on a healthy and less oily and spicy diet. While I try to keep Kay’s diet healthy, there are times when we overindulge on oil, butter, spices and sugar and I have noticed a set pattern. The weeks post the indulgence lead to cough and cold, lethargy, sweating and overall low on energy.
I believe in following and preaching practical solutions. I am not going to turn off the air conditioning at home to maintain a cool body. But, what I can do is get the body acclimatized to the changing weather and hydrate myself and remain active.
Hope these suggestions help!
Being A Girl Mom 