Anonymous wrote:I'm a melanoma skin cancer survivor. OP - don't sweat it. You probably haven't caused a future skin cancer in your kid just yet! I had terrible blistering sunburn as a kid. But, do keep trying to stay out of the sun during peak times (10am to 4pm) and keep protected as much as possible - preferably clothing/hats, but sunscreen if necessary (applied frequently and liberally).
Severe sunburns in the past is actually a risk factor for developing skin cancer later on.
OP, I wouldn't make it a habit for your kids no matter what their skin color. Here's some good tips on avoiding too much sun:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/sunanduvexposure/skin-cancer-facts