Water is crucial to life. It hydrates and helps regulate body temperature, this is especially important for children who are physically active or living in hot climates– all without adding calories to the diet as it is sugar-free.
Below are some tips to encourage your kids to drink more water:
1. Make it available and handy so when they see it they’re more prone to drink it
2. Know the right amount
The recommended daily water consumption for children is:
o 6-7 cups for 4 to 8 year olds
o 8-9 cups for 9 to 13 year olds boys and girls
Remember this is just a guide, every child is unique and so are their body’s requirements.
3. Monitor hydration – Children may be at greater risk for dehydration than adults for several reasons. One of them is that children often do not voluntary drink adequate amounts of fluid during physical activity, so make sure they drink water before, during and after any type of exercise, especially in hot weather.
One of the more practical ways to assess the hydration status of your child is through the color of your child’s urine. A clear urine color means your child is well hydrated. The darker the color, the less hydrated your child is and the more need for drinking water.
4. Be a role model:
o Encourage your kids to drink water regularly
o Make sure to drink water regularly in front of your children in order to encourage them to adopt the behavior themselves.
5. Make the act of drinking water entertaining and easy by using fun straws and cups at home or by playing water-themed games. You might also try putting a little lemon wedge or squeezing a little bit of fresh orange into it.
About United for Healthier Kids (U4HK)
United for Healthier Kids (U4HK) is a pioneering, comprehensive and science-based program developed by Nestlé and built on partnerships among various entities with the aim of nurturing healthier generations. In the Middle East, U4HK is launched in partnership with MBC Al Amal and the Arabian Radio Network to help parents establish healthier eating, drinking and lifestyle habits for children aged 4-12.
Through nutritional science and a deep understanding of the region’s parents and kids, Nestlé identified four behaviors that need to be brought into the everyday routines of children to ensure a healthier lifestyle: MORE Movement, MORE Water, MORE Fruits & Vegetables, and MORE Managed Portions.
You can join the movement on www.U4HK-me.com, www.MBC.net/U4HK, www.Facebook.com/U4HKme and Instagram: @U4HKme
