Both my kids love drinking water. My four-year old drinks juice now, but up until the age of about two, it was water only. I tried watering down apple and pear juice to add a bit of variety to her drinks, but she’d whip her sippy cup across the room as soon as she’d detect that I altered the purity of her water. My youngest daughter is the same. Not that I’m complaining! I prefer that they drink water, but in this summer heat, I can’t help but wonder if they’re drinking enough of it.
When I explain to my oldest daughter that our bodies are made up of a lot of water, she looks down at her belly as if water will shoot out of her belly button. I tell her that water leaves our body in many ways (but, not through our belly buttons) and that if we don’t replace it, we can become dehydrated. So, when she drinks water, it’s making sure that her body is in good health. For example, water helps us cool down, keeps our energy levels up and makes us feel less tired. It also helps our muscles work smoothly and keeps our joints, the bone connectors, slippery so they can do their work helping the bones to move. Water also helps germs and viruses leave our body before they can make us sick.
I think she’s following, but know she doesn’t fully understand the importance of water now. At some point, I know she’ll appreciate, rather than reject, all my efforts of chasing her around the park and pool with her water bottle begging her to stop playing every half hour or so to refill her body with water.
Typically, children two and older should be drinking between 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. During the summer, especially on those hot and dry days, children should be consuming more, especially if they’re playing outdoors or involved in sports. Older kids might choose to replenish with soda, but consuming sugar-filled drinks is actually doing the body more harm than good as sugary drinks and foods cause the body to lose more fluid. And, before they reach for those sport or energy drinks which can contain a lot of caffeine, again, offer them water instead.
Other ways to make sure your kids are consuming enough water and staying hydrated this summer include feeding them water-rich drinks and foods such as milk, juice, smoothies, fruits (grapes, watermelon, oranges, grapefruit, etc.), vegetables (cucumbers, celery, asparagus, salad, etc.), soups, sherbet, and juice popsicles. Always keep water within reach and send them out with their own water bottles when they head out to sports practice/games or go out to play. Again, limit those soda drinks and sugary foods and if your children prefer juice over water, dilute the juice so they get more water and less sugar. Also, lead by example by making water the beverage choice for all meals. Add lemon, lime, or cucumber slices for a special twist.
And, one final word. A good way to find out if your child is hydrated is to do a urine check. Generally, a well-hydrated child is one whose urine is light yellow.
Chaser
To support the work of a great non-profit organization bringing clean and safe water to people in developing countries, visit charity: water.
Photo: seven1917
