Perfection in Hydration

It may not come as a surprise, but water actually makes up more than half of our body’s composition. Babies, in particular, are made up of more than 70% water! This is why hydration is incredibly important to our overall health and wellbeing. We can go without solid food for weeks, but we’ll only last a few days without water, regardless of age.

Even though you don’t need to get children used to the taste—or lack thereof—of water, they can sometimes forget to have enough of it on a regular basis. Fixing this issue is on the parents’ to-do list, making sure kids always have access to a variety of healthy drinks. But while you’re doing this, you must ensure you are properly hydrated too!

Drinking enough water is key to the bodies’ proper performance and function no matter how old you are—but how much water is enough water?

Feeling thirsty? That’s your body’s warning lights flashing “replenish water levels.” It’s also a good thing because that means your body’s alert signals are working fine, so despite its nature, it’s no cause for immediate alarm. Here’s a handy tip: drink something before you feel thirsty. Once you get the hang of preemptive hydrating, you’ll provide your body with a continuous supply of fluids, maintaining ideal water levels.

Here’s a handy chart to gauge ideal fluid intake in relation to age:

Water is always a handy hydrating option, at least, for adults. Kids’ adventurous sides kick in at different times, causing them to lose interest in plain old H2O. Offer them a variety of beverages that are moderate to low on sugar content, like low-sugar juices and herbal teas. Homemade options are ideal as well. Not only can you provide them with healthy hydration options, but you can also spend quality time with them in the kitchen.

Looking for a tastier hydration option? Try Infusion! If you have fruits, herbs, or spices handy, try your hand at creating infused water. Besides adding flavor to your drinks, infused water also comes with vitamins and nutrients in relation to the ingredients you include in the mix. Here are some easy infusion options to try:

• Strawberry and mint
• Blueberries, raspberries, and currants

Kids are natural imitators—it’s part of their programming and how they learn about the world. You can take advantage of this, especially when instilling healthy habits. Lead by example by showing your kids how often you hydrate. You can also wean kids away from sugary drinks by opting for water any chance you get. Soon enough, they’ll ask you questions, and you can spin creative tales that paint water as the better hydration option.

Once you’ve tickled their curiosity enough, give them their own water bottle or tumbler. This gives children opportunities to be independent, making them participate in their own hydration. Their confidence and self-esteem are boosted, two factors that are highly integral for their early development.

Children also learn a lot through play—a good number of them love a fun challenge. Introduce daily drinking goals with layers of incentives. The good thing about this is parents can also benefit from it. A household that hydrates together stays healthy together!

Keep in mind that every kid is unique. A challenge can be fun for one but not really appealing to another. Getting to know what resonates well with your children will be very beneficial in the long run—not just for hydration, but for the whole family dynamic!