Tips for drinking water that must be applied to children

Drinking water is a basic human need. For babies and toddlers, the need for water is very important than for adults, because they need more fluids related to their body size.

In addition, their kidneys have not developed the capacity to quickly adjust to the amount of water in their bodies, and their thirst mechanism does not work until they are dehydrated. Your child should drink plenty of water, especially in the summer when the temperature is warmer and the child will lose more fluids. A 1 year old, 10 kg healthy child needs 4 glasses of fluids per day. How do you get children to drink lots of water?

Tips for getting your child to drink lots of water

1. Make drinking water a fun activity

Put water in an attractive glass (children usually like glasses with brightly colored animals or their favorite cartoon characters). Add a straw, cute shaped ice cubes, or a few pieces of fruit like strawberries.

2. Limit their choices

Don't fill your refrigerator with sodas and colorful fruit juices. If you want to consume these drinks but don't want your children to follow along, place the drinks where your child cannot see them.

But the best tip is not to keep these types of drinks at home because children are very good at finding hidden food. It would be better if you become a role model for them. If they see you drinking water, they are more likely to follow suit.

3. Drink water first, then give them a snack

If you want to let your children drink soft drinks, encourage them to drink large glasses of water first. Then after satisfying their thirst, they will not eat too much sweet food.

4. Explain the benefits of drinking water

Explaining the benefits of plain water may be the best way to make your kids understand, but usually kids are really interested about the human body. Take them to the library and pick up some books on nutrition and how the body works. Teach them the importance of consuming enough water. Even a rebellious teenager might decide to throw away soda if they find out that it makes them more spotty.

5. Make the water taste better

Cold water is usually more attractive to children, especially in summer. So the alternative is to freeze your child's water bottle in the refrigerator to take to school. You can also add lemon and lime wedges to add flavor to the fruit without having to add a lot of sugary juices.

6. Make water easy to reach

The best thing you can do to encourage your children to drink water is to make it easier for your children to reach it. If they play outside, bring them bottles; at dinner, place a large bottle of water on the table. If all family members drink water constantly, they will get used to the habit.

7. Make changes gradually

Do not immediately sue your child to drink only water. Start by making only the occasional sugary drink or on the weekends, offering it in smaller glasses, and offering a better type of drink such as fruit juice than soda.

At the same time, make it a habit to drink water at every meal. If your child is really fussy, start giving them more juice every day until they want to drink more water.

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