31 answers

Debating Whether or Not to Skip a Family Wedding Due to the Heat

A family member is getting married tomorrow (Saturday) at 5PM in a small backyard ceremony. The marriage ceremony will take place outside -we were told it would last about 20 minutes. Dinner immediately following will be indoors. My nine year old son is extremely sensitive to the heat. He cannot last nearly as long as his peers. They might get red cheeks, but he sweats profusely from his head, then starts to get very quiet. He also complains of a headache and/or tummy ache. I have just gotten into the habit of limiting his outdoor activities (except swimming of course) on very hot days. The forecast is for 102 tomorrow, with a heat index of 110; there is an excessive heat warning until Sunday morning. I was thinking about just going to the wedding myself (since it's my side of the family). I suppose we could all go and my husband could take my son inside during the ceremony if he starts looking too sweaty. I will also bring plenty of water. I'm wondering if all of you think it's dangerous to bring my son or if we should give it a try. Thanks for the input!

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Thank you for all the great ideas and thoughtful responses. My son's annual check-up is approaching, so I will definitely ask about his heat sensitivity - it definitely has an impact on all our lives, especially my son's. In a couple of years he will be old enough to participate in summer outings with our church youth group, and I want him to enjoy himself. I also like all the suggestions about getting him to be more responsible for his own health and knowing when he needs to seek shade. We went to the wedding - I would have felt terrible if we didn't. I purchased several personal mister fans before leaving. Unfortunatley, the day did not progress as I was told, but my son was a real trooper. The hosts only had the A.C. operating in their baby's room (maybe it was on a separate thermostat as I have seen before?). They did have quite a few fans in the rest of the house but I have no idea why the A.C. was off. I let my son get out his D.S. and he sat in a chair near the door of the baby's room for a while. He seemed okay outside during the wedding, and even though it was hot in the house, he ate well and seemed content. Also, a nearby storm gave us some cloud cover. Thanks again for all of your input. I'm glad we didn't miss out on this day!

Featured Answers

I would go. I can't imagine 20 minutes would do him in. If all else fails Dad can take him inside like you suggested.

~Gotta build up his tolerance to the heat. He is gonna have to deal with it his whole life.

5 moms found this helpful

cant he sit inside for 20 minutes playing a game device like a DS or watch tv? it's terrible you would even consider missing out on a family members wedding when there are plenty options for a 9 yr old

4 moms found this helpful

I would bring him, but keep him inside or even stay in the air conditioned car if needed. The ceremony will be short (hopefully) and the rest is inside.

3 moms found this helpful

More Answers

I would go to the wedding as planned. What if all the guests decided it was too hot and didn't want to bother to go?

It's not like you are going to be outside that long. I'm sure the bride and groom will try to make it as quickly as possible so they have pics with little to no sweat.

If you son is that intolerant, let him sit inside.

Be with family on this special day.

6 moms found this helpful

I would go.
Lots of kids get tomato cheeks in summer, its very normal.

5 moms found this helpful

I would go. I can't imagine 20 minutes would do him in. If all else fails Dad can take him inside like you suggested.

~Gotta build up his tolerance to the heat. He is gonna have to deal with it his whole life.

5 moms found this helpful

cant he sit inside for 20 minutes playing a game device like a DS or watch tv? it's terrible you would even consider missing out on a family members wedding when there are plenty options for a 9 yr old

4 moms found this helpful

I would go and let your son wait inside during the ceremony. Enjoy the wedding!

4 moms found this helpful

Take the family, and put the kiddo inside (with or without dad if necessary). I'm sure there will be some other relatives (older, babies, etc.) that will need to be inside, too.

I'm sure everyone will hurry along the ceremony if it gets too miserable....or provide shade/fans, etc.

Don't miss a great opportunity to visit with family, and take pics of everyone dressed up.

4 moms found this helpful

Looking back on your other posts - everything you have ever posted is about the health of your DS. You may just be a tad bit overprotective with him and his health. I would go and try it out. Sweating is normal, getting a red face is normal. Just stay hydrated, and have him wear dress shorts and a button down short sleeve shirt.

3 moms found this helpful

Let him be in the shade or indoors.
You just have to decide whether only you will attend, or your husband too. So that one of you can be with your son, inside.

You know your son's condition best... he seems to react more negatively to sun/heat than the normal person. So heed to his condition as you know it.
Many people old or young, can get heat stroke or sunburned very easily.

3 moms found this helpful

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