This post has been sponsored by Neutrogena. All opinions are my own
As soon as we bring our children into this world, we immediately teach them the do’s and don’ts and the rights and wrongs of life. We are constantly repeating things to them so they have it permanently lodged in their brain and we continue to do this until they understand.
Rylan knows that brushing your teeth, wearing a seatbelt and using a helmet when you bike or ski are all things that must be done. So I knew it was the best time that he learns the importance of wearing sunscreen every single day. Instilling sun safe behaviors with children at an early age can lead to lifelong sun protection behaviors and reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life. All my life I grew up with fair and sensitive skin and even had to have several moles removed and tested for skin cancer, so I knew once I had a child of my own, he or she would definitely have the same traits. I showed Rylan the scars on my back and explained to him why this was extremely important. By teaching them early, we can help our children reduce the risk of melanoma by teaching them to make sunscreen application a daily habit.
Children mimic what they see their parents, friends, and family members do. Rylan is exactly that way. If he sees me do a specific thing or say a specific word or sentence, he does it too. They do it because they look up to you and want to do every single thing you do. I knew this was the perfect time to teach and show him the importance of wearing Neutrogena sunscreen on a daily basis.
Coming into Labor Day Weekend, we have lots of fun activities planned including an outdoor wedding so I wanted to share with him the importance of making sure his skin was protected for the entire day. If he sees me applying sunscreen on myself first, he is more likely to #MimicMommy.
By making it enjoyable, fun, and part of our daily routine, it encourages them to do it on their own. I showed him this video from YouTube stars the Holderness Family who also partnered with Neutrogena and he was ready to get up and DANCE his way to sun protected skin. He laughed his way through the silly ‘Belly’ segment so that is exactly where he wanted to start.
Look at his face – You can tell he was taking this VERY serious.
Team work makes the dream work! He asked me for help with his back and of course, I couldn’t say no!
Questions With Rylan:
Me: Why do you think wearing sunscreen is so important?
Rylan: Because it helps you to not get a sunburn and protect your skin
Me: How often do you think you should wear sunscreen?
Rylan: Probably like every day maybe? The sun is sneaky
Me: Where should you apply sunscreen?
Rylan: All over your body – Including your toes!
Neutrogena is launching the #MimicMommy MOVEment to rally moms to help change skin cancer statistics and raise the first generation of sun-safe children. To help support this important cause, Neutrogena will donate $10K to the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation.
Want to win a prize pack full of Neutrogena sunscreen? Comment down below telling me why sun protection is so important to you and your family. 5 of you will be chosen next week via email!
Good Luck!
This post has been sponsored by Neutrogena. All opinions are my own
Amanda says
I love this post! Sunscreen is SO important. Be good to your skin!
Krystal E says
That’s cute! We rarely go outside because the sun is so potent here but I try to always make sure the kids have sunscreen especially when we go to the pool!
Cris of Kiss My Tulle says
“The sun is sneaky” – HA! How cute! I’m just now at the point were my daughter is applying her own sunscreen. But we do it daily because the Texas sun is BRUTAL.
Courtney B says
What a good habit to instill. I’m all about the sunscreen, and am slowly trying to convince my husband of its value.
Brooke says
Sun protection is an important habit to start your kids with early! My daughter is diligent about it and usually reminds me!
Ehmkay Nails says
The sun IS sneaky. I always get the worst burns during cloudy days.
The Jedi Wife says
“The sun is sneaky”…haha, how cute and so right! This is a great habit to teach him. Way to go Ry!
Jessica says
“The sun is sneaky.” Haha! This was a great post and definitely something that should be taught to kids early on.
Melissa says
Love Neutrogena products!
Chelsea says
I used to work in a skin cancer screening center and my job was to send out the medical reports that basically told people they had skin cancer. It’s crazy how common it is and I’ve used sunscreen religiously ever since!
MarciaF says
I love how good my grandchildren are about sunscreen. They know it’s a must if we are going somewhere and never fight it. I remember my own kids hating when I put it on their faces but my little ones understand that they aren’t getting away with that. Your son is a good sport for being interviewed!
Polarbelle says
Good for Ryan and good for you for teaching him!! I just love his teal accents.
Kristi V BeginNails says
I love the conversational segment with your little. <3 He is learning well from you. I'm very fair skinned (with both my mom & dad having skin cancer in the past) and my husband swam w/ no sunscreen all through his younger days and college, so he has sun spots. We are both now very careful about wearing sunscreen hiking, festivals, etc. Thank you for the opportunity!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
YES! Sunscreen for the whole family is so important. Skin cancer scares are no joke.
Emmy says
I have tried a lot of sunscreens and this one is definitely a favorite.
Mary W says
Several relatives and friends I know have had skin cancer. Sunscreen is a must have every day of the year. Equally important is to reapply!
Susan P. says
My mom had skin cancer on her face so we are extra vigilant about sun exposure and using sunscreen. When I was a teenager, we didn’t use sunscreens and I got sunburns so I have to watch for skin cancer signs.
monique s says
sun protection is important to me and my family to safeguard us against skin damage and disease caused by the ultra violet rays.
Tracy Robertson says
I am fair skinned and even though I always wore sunscreen, and don’t spend long hours in the sun, I STILL got skin cancer at about age 42. Luckily I caught it early and had it treated, but I learned not only do I need sunscreen daily, but I need to apply it generously. I was just using a thin little layer that wasn’t enough to do the trick before.
fran says
Sunscreen is essential to prevent skin cancer, protect your skin for the long-term, and to protect it from the immediate harm of a sunburn.
Susan Byrne says
Sun protection is important to me because I’m band aide white!! I burn in the shade. My Aunt would make fun of me by saying “the only family I know that looks for trees when they go to the beach”!
My Nail Polish Obsession says
Definitely important for kids to understand why they need sunblock.
Sharon says
Sunscreen is important to me to help keep my family from getting sunburned and from getting skin cancer.
Teresa Thompson says
Sunscreen is a part of our daily routine. My grandkids are covered from head to toe on days we are outside.
Naked Without Polish says
haha Rylan is so cute! The sun is sneaky!
Leslie says
Preventing premature aging and sun-related health issues is a big priority at our house. Thanks for the giveaway!
Alison H says
My dad had a malignant mole removed when I was a teenager, and last year my mom developed a wound on her scalp which turned out to be skin cancer, requiring multiple surgeries and radiation therapy. So sun protection is extremely important to me! It’s scary to think about the damage that’s already been done from when I was younger and didn’t know better, but now that I do I’m committed to taking care of my skin and preventing my skin cancer risks from getting any higher!
patricia caradonna says
Living in Florida my family and I need all the protection we can get. We are fair skinned and the sun is hot.
Steph says
We are so pale we need it
beth says
It’s important because we are pale and have easily-burned skin so I want to keep us protected.
jberry says
My better half works outside so all elements are an issue.
Lisa says
My dad has suffered through several skin cancer scares. Many on his head and has had reconstructive surgery because of it. I am frightened of this and a big advocate of sunscreen.
Abigail says
You can never start too early teaching kids about the importance of sunscreen to avoid skin cancer!
Anastasia says
SUn protection is so important! I wish my parents knew about the dangers and taught us earlier.