Making Changes for Our Kids
Can we make changes for our kids?
Fck yes!!! One of the most powerful things Aussie dads can do is change what their kids see as normal when it comes to the sun.
Skin cancer risk is strongly linked to cumulative UV exposure, and habits formed during childhood can influence sun-protection behaviour later in life. Cancer Council Australia says most skin cancers can be prevented through appropriate protection from UV radiation.
What men can do for their kids
1. Stop treating sunburn as "just part of summer"
Don't accept burning, peeling or getting "a good tan" as normal. A tan is actually a sign that UV has damaged the skin.
2. Protect yourself - because your kids copy you
If Dad wears a hat, puts on sunscreen and looks for shade, children learn that this is simply what you do before heading outdoors.
3. Make sunscreen part of the routine
For UV levels of 3 or above, use broad spectrum, water resistant SPF50 or SPF50+, alongside other protection. Apply it properly and reapply every two hours, or after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
4. Get the kids into hats early
Make a broad-brimmed, bucket style hat part of going outside. Caps don't provide the same protection to the ears, neck and face.
5. Choose shade over full sun
At the beach, footy, fishing, camping, BBQs or watching the kids play sport, make shade part of the plan rather than something you look for after someone starts burning.
6. Cover up
Longer sleeves, protective clothing and UPF rated clothing can substantially reduce the amount of UV reaching the skin.
7. Change the Aussie "she'll be right" attitude
Kids need to hear Dad say:
"We're not getting burnt. We're protecting our skin."
That's a small conversation that can create a very different attitude to sun exposure as they grow up.
8. Make skin checks normal
Teach kids that noticing changes in their skin is something worth paying attention to. For adults, regularly checking for new or changing spots and getting anything concerning assessed promptly is important.
9. Don't wait until you're older to change
It's not too late. Even if you've spent years working outdoors, surfing, fishing, playing sport or getting burnt, changing your behaviour now can reduce further UV damage.
The bigger message for Aussie dads
Your kids don't need a dad who tells them "don't get skin cancer."
They need a dad who shows them how not to make sun damage part of everyday life.
Put the sunscreen next to the keys.
Keep hats in the car.
Choose the shade.
Cover up.
Check the UV.
Get your skin checked.
And most importantly - do it yourself.
Because protecting your kids from future skin cancer isn't just about what you tell them.
It's about the habits you teach them by example that will mean they can have a future without dealing with skin cancer.