It gets incredibly hot here on the Texas Gulf Coast during the summer months. I’m careful to increase my water intake during these hot months. Unfortunately, my girls don’t always follow my example, nor do they always follow my instructions when I tell them to take some extra sips.
It’s incredibly important that they stay hydrated, so I’ve been trying various strategies to increase their water consumption. Here are 8 strategies that have been particularly effective.
Why is it important for kids to drink water?
Before I detail the strategies, let me share some reasons why it’s important for kids (and the rest of us) to drink water (source):
- Water helps regulate body temperature
- Water helps lubricate and cushion the joints, spinal cord, and tissues
- Water helps the body eliminate waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation
- Water aids in digestion and nutrient absorption
- Water helps individuals maintain healthy body weight
- Water improves blood oxygen circulation
- Water helps the body fight off illness
- Water aids in cognitive function and improves mood
As you can see, consuming a lot of water isn’t just for “health nuts.” Water is essential for each and every one of us!
How to get kids to drink more water
- Use a water filter. If you live in an area where the water tastes funny or just plain awful, then it’s no wonder your kids don’t want to drink it! Our water doesn’t taste particularly bad, but I can definitely tell the difference between regular tap water and water that’s been through a filter. Something as simple as using a filter can be a game changer when it comes to getting your kids to drink more water! Whether you use a high-quality water purifier or a simple filter that fits in a pitcher, kids find it easier to drink the better tasting water.
- Serve cold water. Most kids and adults agree that water is easier to drink and more refreshing when it’s cold. Thus, our kids are more likely to drink water when it is on ice or when it has been chilled in the fridge.
- Add flavor to the water. One of the biggest complaints kids have about water is that it doesn’t have a flavor. This is easy to remedy. I’ll occasionally infuse water with the flavors of certain veggies and fruits (cucumbers, berries, lemons, oranges, etc.). I do this by placing the fruit in the water and letting it sit before serving. However, I’ve seen special pitchers designed for use when creating flavor-infused water. They look super helpful! Another good option is to freeze berries or other fruits in ice cube trays and use these for keeping water chilled.
- Use fun cups and straws. Allowing your kids to have a special cup or to use straws can make it fun to drink water. In my experience, the novelty wears off relatively quickly, so it can be helpful to have more than one special cup for your kids. My kids have stainless steel drinking cups for use at home (they love the feel and appearance of these) and they have water bottles with straws for use when we’re out and about.
- Carry water bottles everywhere. Kids can’t drink water throughout the day if they don’t have it available throughout the day. This is why we carry water bottles with us everywhere we go. Whether it’s to the grocery store, the park, a playdate, etc., we have water on hand so they can take a sip whenever they want one. This extends to naptimes and bedtimes. They may wake up thirsty, so I keep a cup of water available in the bedroom.
- Use juice and unsweetened tea judiciously. I don’t generally give my kids juice to drink. It is something they get on special occasions or at special events (such as another child’s birthday party). I’m certain they would drink juice more rapidly and with much greater enthusiasm than they do water, but they simply don’t need the sugar or to grow accustomed to having sweet beverages to quench their thirst. However, on rare occasions when I have reasons to be concerned about their hydration status, I will give them juice (diluted with water) or unsweetened, caffeine-free iced tea in order to make sure they get the fluids they need.
- Prompt, prompt, and prompt again. My kids rarely drink significant quantities of water without being reminded to do so. I constantly prompt them to drink. Before we leave to grocery shop, I hand them their cups and encourage them to take sips. I do the same before they go to nap/rest time, before bed, in the middle of their playtime, etc. One little sip on its own doesn’t help that much, but all of those little sips throughout the day really add up!
- Be a good role model. I mentioned earlier that my kids don’t always follow my example when it comes to drinking a lot of water, but it’s still important for me to set this example. Whether I notice their attention or not, the reality is that they are watching! Kids want to be like their parents, so when I drink lots of water it sets in their minds the idea that consuming water is the correct thing to do. This instills a solid foundation for their water consumption today and in future years.
I recently read an article that cited a study in which researchers found that nearly one-quarter of American children consume no plain water at all! This is shocking! If this statistic is accurate, then I can’t be the only parent who struggles with this.
If you are struggling to get your kids to drink more water (or if you simply want to make sure their water consumption remains at a good level), then I hope these strategies prove helpful.
What additional strategies can you share? How do you get your kids to drink sufficient amounts of water?
