Preventing dehydration in children | 8 effective ways to make them drink water

Water the elixir of life, is undoubtedly a magic drink for a child. It contributes to their overall development. An adequate water supply works as a feel-good factor, heightens focus, and sharpens concentration. It also assists the body with digestion and regulates temperature. The water content in the body dips when one breathes, sweats, and digests food, hence it is vital to drink a sufficient quantity. Is your child getting enough of this healthy drink? Give these easy tips a shot, you could succeed and put a stop to dehydration in children. Even if it increases your child’s water intake by one glass it is totally worth the effort.

Ensure it is available

It is not possible to keep reminding your child to have a glass of water. But what you can rather do is, make sure that water is within their reach. You can keep a jug of water on the table at meal times. Place the water dispenser at a height that your child can reach so that he/she can serve themself water. Giving your child a bottle to carry around works as a reminder.

Ensure it is fun

Let your child pick a water mug or a glass with their favorite cartoon embellished on it. Give your child a colored or patterned bendy straw to make drinking water fun. Let your child be the decision makers and choose items that will make drinking water enjoyable. Furthermore you could make it a rule, that the mug and the straw can be used to drink only water and no other beverage.

Ensure you drink enough of it

A child learns by mimicking their parent’s actions. Hence drinking water at regular intervals will encourage your child to do the same. Better your own health in the process of improving your child’s.  Even proclaiming the benefits of drinking water can have a positive impact on your child.

Ensure it’s backed with the right diet

Sometimes when the water intake is insufficient, you can incorporate fruits and veggies that are rich in water. Such foods help to keep a child hydrated. Strawberries, carrots and watermelons are a few options which serve the purpose.

Ensure it is flavorsome

Water and its tastelessness is a major turn-off for children. You can counter this problem by infusing water with fruits and vegetables. Berries, lemon drops and orange gives water a zesty flavor.

Ensure it’s a part of the routine

 Make drinking water a part of your child’s daily routine. A glass of water as soon as they wake up in the morning.  A glass or two prior to lunch. And a couple of glasses just between lunch and dinner. Just another glass of water prior to dinner. In case your child steps outside to play give your child a water bottle to carry along. Remind him/her to drink as much as possible in between the activity.

Ensure it’s rewarding

Each time your child drinks a glass of water, make it a celebration. You can reward your child with a sticker or star each time he/she drinks a glass of water. This is yet another way to prevent dehydration in a child.

Ensure it’s importance is understood

Simply explaining to your child about the many benefits of water, can help them drink more of it. Speaking about how it aids in improving their health and making them energetic should get them to drink plenty of water.