Real Talk: Caring for Kids While Filming in the Summer Heat

Real-World Tips for Keeping Kids Safe on Set During the Summer Months

Recently, I experienced one of those moments I was truly grateful to safety get through as a Momager. Recently, my children filmed again for Netflix, and one of them got sick in the heat. What happened next was honestly more than I expected—especially as a child who grew up in the 90’s with very different working conditions for kids—especially Black kids. IYKYK.

Image depicting KML Talent (Kaiden, Madison, Lawson)

Midway through the morning, one of the Associate Producers and my child’s “work mom” immediately noticed something was off. Without hesitation, the AD scooped my kid up, got them swiftly to a medic, and sent for me ASAP. The care and attention my child received went beyond my expectations, and the follow-up care was top-notch.

This is my first time seeing this level of care in person, and it reminded me that even with all the care provided on set, and as much as you try to do as a parent to prevent these unlikely moments, they can still happen. It reinforces the need to remain vigilant and always be prepared. That’s why I’m sharing these tips to help other Mompreneurs, Momagers, or anyone in a similar position.

Preventive Care:

1. Hydration is key—especially in the heat. Encourage your kids to use Kraft services for drinks with electrolytes instead of sugary drinks. It’s also a great idea to pack a few hydration packets they can add to their water bottles as an extra measure! 💧 Melaleuca’s Hydration Packets are a great choice for on-the-go hydration. If you’re interested in these products and Melaleuca’s membership, feel free to ask me for more details. 🌟

   

   Melaleuca SUSTAIN hydration packets come in several flavors! I keep these in my lunchbox as a flight attendant and pack these in my children's school bags and bring these on set. It's a must have! Inbox or email hello@askdarlingnikki.com to learn more about becoming a member of the worlds best healthy home shopping club!

2. Dress in layers—Loose, breathable fabrics are best. Keeping your kids comfortable is essential. This also scores points with production when you’re a background actor and required to bring several wardrobe options. ✅

3. Portable fan—We keep a small portable fan on set for between takes. It’s pocket-sized and makes a world of difference. I love our favorite one, which also doubles as a flashlight and external phone/iPad charger. Check it out here: https://amzn.to/44GohCN

   

   I purchased several of these last summer and they are still operating as brand new! I got them in multiple colors for my kids and we take them everywhere. Click my affiliate link to get yours. I get paid commission when you shop through me. Thank you!

4. Nutrition & Rest—Ensure they’re getting a balanced meal and proper rest the night before the shoot and the morning of. Rest and good nutrition can help prevent fatigue and heat-related issues from sneaking up on them. As simple as it sounds it can be easy to skip out on this or cut corners when you’re super busy and super excited!

In-the-Moment Care:

When something happens, it’s essential to act fast:

1. Seek immediate help—If your child isn’t feeling well, get them to a medic ASAP, even if it seems like a minor issue. It’s not an inconvenience, and better safe than sorry! A medic or nurse will know exactly how to treat them properly.

2. Stay calm—Kids pick up on your energy. When my child wasn’t feeling well, staying calm helped them feel at ease. Deep breaths really do help everyone stay grounded.

3. Reassure them—Let your child know that it’s NOT their fault. It has nothing to do with their work performance and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

4. Emotions matter—Kids are still developing their sense of self, and moments like this can shape how they approach many things in life. We don’t want them to feel shame or blame. Their care is the priority in that moment, and they need to know that. We want them to understand that taking care of their needs is just as important as being a little star on set, if not even more important! I’m so glad my child received that experience in this moment.

   
   

   

   Darling NIkki and Medic comforting child actor (KML Talent) and offering more Melaleuca sunscreen.

Clean-Up Care (After A Medical Incident on Set):

1. Emergency kit—Always have wet wipes, extra clothes, ziplock bags for temporary storage, and a portable laundry detergent packet to treat stains immediately.

2. Instant cooling packs—Medics usually have these, but as a flight attendant mom, I like to have my own. Grab some of these here: https://amzn.to/4l9ZZH1

3. Handling soiled clothing—If vomit gets on their clothes or something you can’t dispose of immediately, wrap it in more than one plastic bag and safely seal it until you can wash and disinfect it. Always keep a spare change of clothes close by to keep them comfortable. If you are disposing of something with bodily fluids, be aware of the rules and regulations around disposal, and ask for assistance to ensure you’re safely discarding items to minimize further exposure and risk.

4. Ponytail holders—Extra ponytail holders are essential to pull hair off their face and neck in the heat, especially if they’re working for extended periods. I have three daughters and they seem to disappear so fast so I keep these on auto ship: https://amzn.to/44zl5Yw

   
   

Packing for These Days:

1. Extra everything—Bring extra clothes, snacks, hand sanitizer, a comfortable folding chair for downtime, and don’t forget a cooling towel to keep them cool during long shoots.

2. Baby wipes—Trust me on this, always have a pack on hand for quick messes or clean-ups!

3. Sunscreen—I use Melaleuca’s sunscreen and after sun skin care for my family. Yes, Black skin needs sunscreen too! 🖤 I’d be happy to share more about how as a mother and professional, I’ve switched stores, saved money, and have access to hundreds of healthier products for my kids' bodies, our kitchen, home, and more. We save so much money while getting much better quality and SAFER products for our family.

4. Chapstick, lotion, deodorant—A small mirror for quick touch-ups and freshenin

   g up between takes. Again, I get most of these items from my Melaleuca membership.

5. Entertainment—Pack a tablet, book, or toy to help pass the time between takes. Maybe even a deck of Uno cards—something to reduce screen time and avoid brain rot!

6. A wagon for everything—I use a cute small to mid-size wagon to keep all our stuff organized, especially since I’m typically responsible for 3 little actors on set! It makes life easier and more organized. It folds down small, is lightweight, and can carry over 200 lbs! Here’s my favorite wagon! I have it in pink: https://amzn.to/3ZW4c8Y

   
   

   

   This cute little wagon folds down so small and carries much more than you'd expect! I am able to get my roll-aboard, tote bag and a folding chair in this thing and if my son wants to hop on and hitch a ride he can too! Click the image to visit my affiliate link and purchase yours in pink or another color. I get paid a commission! Thanks for your support!

Aftercare:

1. Physical recovery—Allow time for rest. Keep the body cool, offer fluids with electrolytes, and try to stick to their routine as much as possible.

2. Get close to the air conditioner—Let them cool down and recover. When they’re ready, they’ll let you know. 

3. Emotional care—Filming can be exhausting, especially for kids. Add heat to the mix, and it can make for a tough day. Positive reinforcement and validation go a long way. I reminded my babe that they did an amazing job and that it’s okay to take breaks when needed. Sometimes, we need to call it a full stop, and that’s OK too.

4. Watch for physical cues—Remember, they may not be ready to make the tough calls for themselves just yet. We have to rely on our intuition and observations to make those decisions for them when needed. Don’t push them, and don’t let anyone else push them either. I’m thankful that this didn’t happen in this case—the team gave them space and supported their recovery.

   
   

I never imagined I’d be in a position to share all of this, but I’m so grateful for the support we received on set today. It’s a huge win for all of us and a reminder that our kids are more than just actors—they’re humans who deserve care and respect. If you’re a mompreneur, momager, or any mom juggling these kinds of days, you’re not alone. We’ve got this!

If you're navigating mompreneurship, momager life, or just balancing work and family, let’s connect! What advice would you add to this list? We can learn from each other and support one another through this amazing journey.

👉🏽 Inbox or email me at hello@askdarlingnikki.com to chat about how we can work together.