4 Tips To Get Your Kids to Drink More Water

Hydration is essential for optimal human health. Children need plenty of water to give them energy, as they are always on the go. In addition, a lack of water can negatively impact their school performance. They may develop headaches and struggle with short-term memory tasks. Water consumption improves their visual attention and mood, which may make them more open to learning. How can parents ensure their children drink enough water every day? How much water do they need?

How Much Water Do Children Need?

Parents must know how much water their children need. Experts recommend taking the child’s body weight in pounds and dividing that number by two. The resulting figure is the minimum amount of water in ounces they need to drink each day. A child who weighs 40 pounds would need 20 ounces of water each day, while a child who weighs 60 pounds would need 30 ounces of water daily. Increase this amount on the days when the child gets hot and sweaty, is exercising, or is ill. 

Why Getting Kids to Drink Water is Challenging

Kids often dislike the taste of plain water and refuse to drink it. They won't drink water if they don’t see their parents drinking water. The amount of water they drink is also something they can control, unlike many things in their young lives, so they may refuse this beverage even when thirsty. How can parents overcome these challenges?

Start Early

Children should begin drinking water as soon as they wake up each morning. Parents must have this water accessible, particularly for young children who cannot fill their hydration bottles without help. Have a hydration bottle next to their bed so they can take a sip or two before they get up. They can then take the hydration bottle with them as they complete daily hygiene tasks and prepare for the day. When the hydration bottle is readily accessible, children are more likely to drink water routinely.

Starting early also means having this water accessible to very young children. Parents should never put their child to bed with a bottle of milk, as doing so could harm their teeth. Replace the milk with water so children can sip on their bottles all night without harming their physical or oral health. The water will ensure they remain hydrated without damaging their teeth. 

Add Natural Flavoring

A child may only want plain water occasionally. However, they need this hydration, so parents should find ways to make the water more palatable. Natural flavorings are one way to do so. Add a drop of lemon or orange juice to the water, and kids may be encouraged to drink it regularly. Add berries to the water or break apart mint leaves and throw a few into the hydration bottle. 

Cut a watermelon into small chunks for a special treat and throw it into the blender with water and lime juice. Puree this mix and put it in the hydration bottle. Kids love this treat on hot summer days and will request it regularly, not realizing they are increasing their water consumption. Hand them any watermelon chunks not used in this beverage and increase their hydration even more, as watermelon is 92 percent water. 

Lead By Example

Children watch the people around them and pick up their habits. Parents need to ensure they are drinking plenty of water. An easy way for parents to drink more water is to invest in hydration bottles for the entire family. Children are more likely to do the same when everyone is drinking water. They won’t feel as if they are missing out on something because everyone has the same beverage. 

Make It Fun

Children will drink more water if parents make it enjoyable. Allow each child to choose a hydration bottle they love that reflects their personality. Add a crazy straw, and the child will ask for water regularly so that they can use the straw. Ice in the hydration bottle is another way to encourage the child to drink. Many children prefer crushed ice because it makes a sound in the hydration bottle when they sip. Ice also helps cool them on sweltering summer days so they can spend more time outdoors without overheating. 

Every human needs water to survive. According to Healthline, a person can go without food or water for approximately one week. However, they can survive on water alone for two or three months. Ensure children have access to water at all times. With the help of hydration bottles, they can take clean water everywhere they go and enjoy drinking this essential beverage.