Lazy Beach Days (with a sand hater)

Lazy beach days, it sounds so romantic. I guess it is, if you like the beach. I have a serious dislike for sand. Hate the stuff. Gets everywhere.

I am a sand hater.

However, this holiday I made an effort to put my dislike aside, to encourage the toddler to like the sea and enjoy the beach. When you have family living somewhere hot in a beautiful villa, it is easy to not leave the side of the pool.

So we have made an effort to get out to the beach early, the aim is to get a sand castle built before the midday sun hits.

I quickly learnt that the sandcastles were actually more for Daddy than they were Barney and that a trip to the beach meant me watching Barney, whilst Daddy worked on ‘his’ castle, sorry fortress, which he claims was ultimately for Barney. I am not convinced!

Since we last visited a beach, which was in Sri Lanka in February this year (you can read about that here), Barney has come on leaps and bounds. The fear of the sea is subsiding and he now doesn’t mind the feeling of sand between his toes. That certainly helps to make a trip to the beach much more enjoyable.

Time on the beach is though, limited. Both due to the toddlers limited attention span and I hate to admit it, similarities to me that the sun, sticky sand and heat all get a little much for him after a couple of hours. Then the good bit happens in the form of shade, a chiringuito, beer (milkshake for the little man) and of course,  squid! Obligatory when on holiday.

Regardless of whether it is my favourite thing or not, it’s making memories and it is precious time together as a family.

If you are like me, I wanted to share a sand haters top tips for a successful couple of hours on the beach with a toddler:

1) Choose your spot wisely. Base yourself near a chiringuito so you have somewhere close to head to for a drink/food when the toddler has had enough, and of course toilet breaks. Somewhere close enough that you don’t have to walk on red hot sand for too long;

2) Sun Cream up. Apply sun cream before you head to the beach. Putting the cream on whilst on the beach inevitable ends in a sandy application;

3) Make shade. Take your own umbrella or two. It really really helps being able to make your own shade and hats and sunglasses are a must;

4) Towels are key. Take an over the head towel for the toddler. They can be naked underneath, shielded from the sun and cool at the same time (See our spiderman one above)

5) Water. Take a bottle of water or two. There will always be a sand in mouth and/or eye scenario to deal with.

6) Try to relax! Easier said than done I know. Sand is the enemy but you know at some point you will stop finding those little granules EVERYWHERE, so you win eventually.

Oh and this was the finished fortress, along with homemade Barney flag…

The Fortress!

Related posts:

A ‘holiday’ with a toddler Your Bubble Sri Lanka – A holiday to remember