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Last updated on June 10th, 2024 at 11:00 pm
With summer upon us, “how to keep kids hydrated?” is a question we’ve heard more than a few times. Summer means our active kids are most probably having the time of their lives. To them, no school means playing all day, and that’s good for their physical and social well-being. While the weather is nice and warm, we should encourage them to get outside and have fun–before we know it, we’ll be thinking about back-to-school.
Keep in mind though, the intense summer heat can dehydrate our kids. We don’t want to take any chances when it comes to their health. Dehydration may cause tiredness, dry mouth, constipation, poor concentration, headache, heat cramps, lack of energy, and even kidney failure, seizures, or death, in the most serious cases. That’s why you want to ensure that your kids stay well hydrated this summer.
How To Keep Kids Hydrated in the Summer
Buy Them Water Bottles
The easiest way to remind your kids to drink water is to have them carry a water bottle wherever they go. Perhaps the best ones are those with time markers that encourage your kids to drink a little every hour. On top of time markers, some have insightful quotes that psychologically tune the kids into drinking water. Also, you want bottles that are leak-proof, non-breakable, and easy to clean.
The beauty of your kids having water bottles in their backpack or close by is that they can quickly take a sip whenever they feel the slightest bit thirsty. They won’t postpone drinking water in the name of looking for the nearest drinking fountain or need to find a store to purchase bottled water.
Encourage Them To Drink Frequently
Help your children get into the habit of drinking enough water by talking to them about the benefits. Start by talking to them about the need to stay hydrated. Mention the detrimental effects of dehydration highlighted at the beginning of this article. Some of the terms may be difficult for them to grasp, depending on their ages, so simplify it for younger kids by letting them know that not drinking enough water is not healthy for their bodies.
In addition to the adverse effects, enlighten them on the benefits, including these:
- Gives energy during play
- Prevents kidney damage
- Supports the transportation of essential minerals to all parts of the body
- Sustains a healthy blood sugar level
- It’s a component of blood, which transport oxygen to body organs
- Promotes skin health
- Regulates body temperature
- Helps with digestion
- Flushes out body wastes
When children understand the positive effects of staying hydrated, they’ll want to to keep drinking water whether or not you’re watching them.
Be A Role Model
When thinking about how to keep kids hydrated, we can’t forget that kids copy what we do. So, don’t be the “do as I say, not as I do” kind of parent. Be their role model by drinking enough water throughout the day. For better results, let them see you do it–be it at the dining table or when out and about.
You can also be a good role model by carrying a personal water bottle yourself. When your children see you making this a habit, drinking water will seem natural to them as well. The goal is to make it easy to stay hydrated, so set a good example!
Add Some Fruit
There’s no denying that some kids avoid drinking water because it just doesn’t have much taste. Don’t blame them. Even some adults struggle with this. You can add fruit to make water taste better. Try infusing water with flavors like strawberry, apple, lemon, cucumber, or oranges. You can even try mixing two fruits for a more unique taste.
And in addition to flavors, make sure your children eat lots of fruit in the summer. Some have high water content, so eating them helps the body to stay hydrated. The best ones are watermelon, oranges, raspberries, peaches, cranberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, and strawberries. It’s best to serve them as is, without any processing or added sugar. Your kids benefit from both the juices and the fiber. But, if you need to, you can juice your child’s favorite fruits too.
Conclusion
Especially in the summer, because of the heat and because they’re probably more active, it’s extra important to keep kids hydrated. It’s our job as parents to provide direction and encouragement.
Make sure your kids always have access to plenty of cold drinking water. Providing them with their own high-quality leak-proof bottles is a good way to do this. When you let them know about the benefits of drinking water they’ll be even more motivated to take water breaks throughout their busy summer days.
Do you have any more ideas about how to keep kids hydrated this summer? Leave us a comment below.
Also read:
5 Ways to Drink More Water
10 Refreshing Infused Water Recipes
Free Printable Melted Snowman Water Bottle Labels — Easy DIY
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