by Kristen Paulsen

Created on: February 06, 2010

Water is vital to the nutrition of a child.  With proper hydration children have a greater mental capacity and physical performance.  Children do better in school when they stay hydrated.  One reason why children may not drink as much water as needed is because their thirst mechanisms are underdeveloped compared to adults.  Many times children are dehydrated before the body picks up on the physical cues.  Frequent dehydration with children lead to health problems, lowered performance and illnesses.  Many children are not getting the adequate amounts of fluid for hydration and the nutrients they so desperately need.  Here are a few tips on helping children drink more water.

#1. Make it the first choice of drink.  By drinking water as adults you set the example and frequently offer it to your children.  Most children will not think to ask for their own drink. 

#2. Make it readily available.  Always keep a sippy cup or marked bottle accessible at room temperature as well as in the fridge.  A child who can't get into the fridge, should always be able to reach a drink. 

#3. Make it fun.  There are cups that look like Beakers that have lids with straws.  Play a game to see if they can drink it down to the second line or something so you know how much water they are actually drinking.  Provide fun cups, smaller drinking bottles, or let them use straws.  There are even "drinking fountain" adapters for bathroom sinks that may encourage children to drink more.

#4. Have a child size pitcher that is theirs and allow them to pour their own drinks.  Remember to keep track and suggest taking drinks, especially after physical activity so that their muscles are getting the water they need.

#5. Although regular water is the best choice, you still may come upon a resilient child.  Fortunately, there are many sugar-free flavored options of Kool-aid, Gatorade, crystal light, etc.  You do not want to solely rely upon this type of water, but it can be used as an incentive to drink their water.  For example: drink water during the day and at dinner get Kool-aid. 

Children can become quickly dehydrated and it is important to keep them hydrated.  Make drinking water a family affair and you will see that it can become a beverage of choice.  Eliminate "bad" drink availability in your home such as soda and punches.  Lead by example and you will discover the impressionable little people who are watching you and wanting to be just like you will start drinking water.

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