Struggling to get your little ones to drink more water?
We all start with the best intentions when it comes to the health and happiness of our children. I have found that one of the hardest things to do is keep Jacob (my four-year-old) drinking enough water - without filling the drinks full of artificial junk and or sugar.
To start with it was easy, we agreed he would only be allowed to drink water (as he knows no different, so why introduce today's junk-filled drinks unnecessarily. This worked fantastic (until he went to grandma's and was given a 'kids drink' and was introduced to the world of aspartame and sugar!
Ways to get them consuming more water:
1. Always ensure water is available
Whether you are playing in the garden or out walking - it is hugely important to keep water readily available. Take a reusable bottle on your walks, keep a filled bottle outside as you play.
2. Serve a glass/cup of water with each meal
On average, people, including your little one eats 3 meals per day. Adding a glass/cup of water with each meal sees them consuming a large chunk of their daily recommended water intake alone!
3. Remind them to drink!
It sounds obvious, but make sure you regularly remind your little one to drink - children tend to get so caught up in fun and games they forget to drink!
4. Have regular drink and snack breaks
Try calling a drink break every so often and have drinks and snacks available so your little one has to take a seat for a few minutes with a drink and snack on hand (they will guzzle them down without thinking!)
5. Make water fun!
Water is awesome, but it does get a little boring, try spice it up by adding some flavour to it. This can be done with zero sugar, natural cordials/juice or a product such as ViDrate (just be careful as most cordials/juices are filled with artificial sweeteners and or sugar!). ViDrate also adds a little theatre to your little one's drink as they get to peel the sachet, pour it in and shake the bottle like crazy!
6. Flavoured Ice Cubes
We recently had a message from a mum on the ViDrate Facebook page saying she had mixed ViDrate into the water, then made it into Ice Cubes, added them to water and not only does the drink look amazing, as the ice melts - the water gains flavour (not to mention electrolytes/vitamins!)
7. Add food with a high-water content to their diet
We do not only hydrate by drinking water, but many foods also have a huge % of water. Some examples include: Watermelon, Melon, Blueberries, Strawberries, Cucumber, Tomatoes
What would you add to my list? Do you currently do any of the above? Which would be the most beneficial to your little ones personally? What would you add to this list?
Please feel free to leave your comments and feedback below and share with anybody you feel this could benefit!
*Important note: most people only drink water when they are thirsty (this is your body's way of telling you that you are dehydrated). This blog also helps give some tips on how to drink more water before this happens.
Blog written by Nick Hird, co-founder of ViDrate.
