June Blog: Celebrating Fathers, Embracing Summer Safely, and Preparing for Hurricane Season

June marks the beginning of summer—and with it, a season of fun, family time, and important safety considerations. It’s also a time to celebrate the incredible dads in our lives and reflect on the end of another school year. From backyard barbecues to pool days and summer storms, here are some helpful reminders and meaningful ways to enjoy this month together as a family.

Father’s Day: Creating Meaningful Moments

Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the special men who guide, support, and inspire our children. Instead of focusing only on gifts, consider activities that help strengthen family bonds:

• Outdoor Adventures – Visit a park, zoo, or beach together for a day of play and connection.
• Crafting and Creativity – Make a personalized Father’s Day card, photo frame, or memory book.
• Cooking Together – Prepare dad’s favorite meal as a team and enjoy a family dinner.
• Game Night or Movie Marathon – Choose dad’s favorite board games or family-friendly movies for a night in.

These moments of connection help build lasting emotional resilience and happy memories for kids.

‍

End of the School Year: A Time to Reflect and Reset

As the school year wraps up, June is a great time to recognize your child’s hard work, growth, and accomplishments. Whether it’s celebrating academic improvements, friendships, or resilience, this is an important time to acknowledge progress and shift gears.

Use this opportunity to:

• Celebrate achievements – Acknowledge your child’s efforts and highlight what they’re proud of.
• Set summer routines – Keep kids engaged with reading, play, and light structure to prevent the “summer slide.”
• Schedule annual check-ups – Beat the back-to-school rush by scheduling physicals or catching up on vaccines early.

Celebrating the end of the school year helps children feel proud and ready for the break ahead.

‍

Summer Safety: Sun and Water Precautions

Water Safety
In Florida, water is everywhere—pools, lakes, canals, and beaches. Sadly, most drownings happen in backyard pools, often when adults are nearby but distracted. Always assign a designated Water Watcher, keep pools fenced and locked, and teach children basic water safety.

Sun Protection
The Florida sun can be intense. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours—especially after swimming. Encourage kids to wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, protective clothing.

Stay Hydrated
With the rising temperatures, kids can overheat quickly. Offer water frequently and take breaks during outdoor play, especially in the midday heat. Watch for signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, irritability, or fatigue.

Hurricane Season: Be Prepared

June also marks the beginning of hurricane season in Florida. Having a family emergency plan can reduce stress and improve safety when storms approach.

Here’s how to stay ready:

• Make an Emergency Plan – Discuss what to do before, during, and after a storm with your children in age-appropriate ways.
• Prepare a Kid-Friendly Emergency Kit – Include essentials like medications, snacks, water, flashlight, a favorite toy, books, or games.
• Know Your Zone – Learn your evacuation routes and shelter locations in advance.
• Stay Informed – Monitor local weather alerts and keep your contact list up to date with schools and pediatric care providers.

Being proactive can help your family feel calm and confident if severe weather hits.

June is a month filled with growth, celebration, and new beginnings. Whether you're enjoying Father’s Day, winding down from the school year, or getting ready for summer fun and storms, we’re here to support your child’s health every step of the way.

From our pediatric team to your family—Happy Father’s Day, congratulations on finishing the school year, and here’s to a safe and joyful summer!

‍