By Michelle Mady
I have to admit, while autumn is my favorite season, I’m always just a bit more up for an adventure in the summer. I love the sun, the warmth, and the outdoor activity options. My family is more of a “mountain and woods" family, but my kids also love the beach. It happens to not be my favorite place, but I try to take them a few times each summer.
Because it is not my favorite place, I have tried just about every “beach hack” out there on social media. I am willing to do anything to keep sand out of my car and off of my toes. Some of these ideas are great, in theory, but by the time you get all set up, someone’s bound to need a bathroom or Band-Aid.
I am willing to do anything to keep sand out of my car and off of my toes.
There are a few hacks, however, that I have found have just the right balance between helpfulness and minimal effort.
The Sand Trap (aka The Fitted Sheet Hack)
This is my favorite beach hack. I HATE having sand stuck to me and am constantly wiping sand off my towel and shaking it out of my chair. The fitted sheet hack is great for people like me (and children!).
Bring a fitted sheet and at least 4 full water bottles (or similar heavier objects). Put the fitted sheet upside down onto the sand, using the 4 water bottles standing up in each corner, with the elastics over them. Viola! You have a dry pool! This is great for a toddler who needs a sand break or an overstimulated mom who wants to watch her kids play with clean toes.
The Flow & Go Schedule (aka The Afternoon Beach Trip)
The beaches around me have parking lots, but many fill before my kids are ready to leave the house. Then I have to be sure to lug lunch, lots of water, reapply sunscreen often, and it just gets to be way more work than it’s worth. However, a simple shift in perspective can make all the difference.
Don’t leave the house and head to the beach until AFTER lunch. By 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon, the beaches are quite a bit less busy, as everyone who came in the morning is heading home. Bring your freshly napped children with full bellies to enjoy the beach with a little less UV rays accompanying you.
Snack Survival (aka Sand-proof Your Snacks)
Yes, another anti-sand tip from me! But really, who wants a side of sand with their goldfish? When packing snacks for your family beach day, think about how beach-friendly they might be. A puree pouch is a lot easier to eat than a cup of applesauce. Frozen grapes thaw slowly, so make a great cool, crisp treat that can be easily rinsed if needed. Frozen yogurt pouches are also a great way to get some protein in without the mess.
The Carry-Less Code (aka Pack Light)
There’s a literal beach to explore! Bring a few shovels and pails, but most toys can stay home. Don’t underestimate how much there is to do already. Bringing a ton of items with you will not only be a lot to carry, but keeping track of everything is an added headache you don’t need. Only bring what you really need and keep the fancy sand-sorting toys at home.
The Final Mom-Firmation (aka Check Yourself)
Keep your expectations realistic. This might sound familiar if you have read any of my other lists. But I will end most tip lists this way, because it is likely the most important “hack.” If your toddler has a 2-hour limit before a meltdown, leave at 1 hour and 45 minutes. If you know that you hate sand, give yourself some grace and get home with extra time to clean the car before bedtime. And if all of your planning goes to heck and the day doesn’t end up the way you thought? Have a karaoke session for the car ride home.
Cut yourself some slack and find a way to have some fun.
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About the author: Michelle is a mom of 5 children ranging in age from 5 to 15. As a toddler and preschool teacher, she shares experiences, activities and guidance to other parents, as both a parent and as a professional early childhood educator, at any stage of their parenting journey.
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