How to deal with summer as a mom with Multiple Sclerosis

Alright my MS warriors let’s face it summer is the worst and it is just a sticky, flare-up filled mess that is standing between us and the beautiful colder weather our bodies need. When the heat finally breaks and I can wear boots, skinny jeans and a nice sweater it’s like a restart on my year. I live in the Chicago land area so I know the bitter cold temperatures that winter brings and I long for it. When that cold air of a crisp October morning hits my face I come alive. Before I had kids summer was a time for me to hole up in the house and binge-watch my favorite Netflix show. But, the tables have turned now that I have kids I don’t want them to miss out on the joys that summer can bring people that don’t suffer from everything that comes along with MS and hot weather. Here is how I deal with summer as a mom with MS.

If you can’t beat them join them

So, as much as we wish we can have a little sit down with Mother Nature and explain to her that you want to take your kids outside tomorrow so dialing down summer for a minute would be great, that just isn’t going to happen. So, if you can’t escape the heat you have to find ways to beat it!

   Cooling Vest

They sell vests that you can pack with ice packs to keep you cool during the summer heat but they are expensive which is why I never bought one. But, when I studied abroad in Costa Rica I used a camel pack and filled it with ice so the backpack was cold on my back for hours while I hiked and bonus there was cold water always available! Stay hydrated and cold!

Cooling Towel

They sell towels that you can get wet and they feel cold to the touch. My husband bought me one to keep in my car for unexpected outdoor events or activities and I love it! I wrap it around my neck to keep myself cool and every so often use it on my wrists for an extra cooling effect!

Misting Fan

Use a fan that has a misting feature. Fill the bottle with ice for an extra cold blast!

Pony Tails

If you have long hair it has an extra heating effect when it is down because it lays across your neck and back like a glorious brunette blanket (or any color lol). So, if you are trying to stay cool always wear your hair up! This is a double-edged sword for me because my scalp is so sensitive that when I wear my hair up I get a headache. Every. Single. Time. So use something like a Pony-O or a scrunchie instead of a classic hair tie so it isn’t pulling your hair tight. Pony-Os are great if you want a cute high ponytail without the tight hair headache to go along with it!

Umbrellas

Use an umbrella/parasol you will look so classy while keeping the sun off you! Cooling effect, stayin classy and yay no sun damage!

Perfect summer activities to do with your kids and stay cool!

Swimming

The absolute best summer activity to do with my kids outside and never worry about overheating is swimming! Just stay in the water as much as possible or at least take a dip anytime you get hot. Always bring an umbrella for shade when you aren’t in the water.

 Beach hack

If you are going to the beach dig out a spot in the sand so the spot where you are laying is cold! It is a great way to stay cool while you are not in the water. But, ask someone else to dig it out because if you dig it yourself it will defeat the purpose because you will overheat from all that work.

The Zoo

My kids love the zoo so we are season pass holders and go there a lot! When it is extra hot outside we just stick to the indoor exhibits. They are usually air-conditioned so you stay cool while seeing animals! When we are seeing the outdoor animals just stick to the shade when you can and take lots of breaks.

Backyard Fun

We just moved into a house with our very own backyard. Yes, girl, it’s amazing. So my son is all about running around the backyard. So, there are few back yard hacks to keep cool in the summer (see my article here to find a whole list) but my absolute favorite is a kiddie pool with ice-cold water! I pull up my patio chair next to it put my feet in and relax while my runs around. This has an amazing cooling effect add an umbrella over you and you may never want to leave that spot.

Patio Palooza!

Sometimes I move a box fan out onto my deck or patio because I just can’t handle the heat without a breeze. When I do this we call it patio palooza! Basically what that means is we can’t leave the deck because the grass is lava obviously. So we bring out the bubble machine, the misting fans, the ice painting, and the sensory bins and have at it! (If you are looking for sensory bin ideas check out my list here!) We have special sensory bins and toys that are only used for patio palooza so it is a really exciting outside activity.