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

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

As a Momager, I recently faced a moment that made me truly grateful for the safety measures in place. My children filmed again for Netflix, and one of them fell ill due to the heat. What happened next exceeded my expectations—especially considering my own childhood experiences in the 90s, which had very different working conditions for kids, particularly for 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” noticed something was off. Without hesitation, the AD scooped my kid up, rushed them 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 was my first time witnessing such a high level of care in person. It reminded me that despite all the precautions on set, and as much as we try as parents to prevent these situations, they can still happen. This 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

   Keeping kids hydrated is crucial, 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. 🌟

   
   

2. Dress in Layers

   Loose, breathable fabrics are best. Keeping your kids comfortable is essential. This also earns 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.

   
   

4. Nutrition & Rest

   Ensure they’re getting a balanced meal and proper rest the night before the shoot and the morning of. Good nutrition and rest can help prevent fatigue and heat-related issues from sneaking up on them. It’s easy to skip this when you’re busy and 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.

   
   

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 freshening 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.

   
   

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.

👉🏽 hello@askdarlingnikki.com to chat about how we can work together.