If water is a key element in the proper and healthy functioning of the body, for children it is all the more important as they grow up and all cells need more water to provide the energy they need more than any adult, but also for the resources of growth. Water ensures cell multiplication, transfers nutrients and the minerals help with the children’s harmonious development. Moreover, hydration is responsible as well for the brain good functioning and the period during which a child can concentrate efficiently at school and when learning new things.
But among the many sweet and unhealthy temptations, the tasteless and odourless water is not always the children’s first option and many times it is easier for the parents to just give them a juice just to know they are hydrated. Unfortunately the juice, even homemade, does not have the same benefits as plain water.
How shall we convince the children to drink more water and understand that the water is the healthiest drink? Making it more fun!
1. Make the water easy to reach.
Place the bottled (top on, to avoid the potential accidents) water especially in the kitchen, playing room or their room! This simple gesture will suggest children that when they are thirsty the water will quench their thirst. Place a glass of water next to the bed they sleep in to develop automatisms related to night-time or early morning thirst. Serve them with water instead of juice. Constant exposure of water will make a very big difference.
2. Add flavours.
Although you try to teach them the water taste and benefits, the children will always feel drawn to juice or the sweet taste. Squeeze citric fruits in the water (oranges, tangerines, lemon or lime) or dilute the natural juice prepared with the juicer.
Another creative idea is to add an ice cube containing a fruit. Thus, you will add some colour and this will be a good opportunity to make water drinking fun.
3. Take water with you.
When you leave on trips or by car, always keep fresh water at hand. As an additional stimulus, during the cold season you can use a funny and colourful trick: a bottle warmer.
4. Personalise the water glasses.
Let the children express their creativity with the water glasses: help them decorate and paint the glasses and then they will find pleasure in drinking from “their glass” giving them a feeling of ownership. You can also try to make water drinking a real game, the glasses becoming funny characters.
5. Role model.
Children learn everything from their parent, especially the daily habits because they are always exposed to them. If they see you consuming especially water during the day, they will know that they drank water as children and they will keep this good habit when they grow up.