Kids, as we know, are always on the hunt for regular sources of excitement to keep them stimulated. Through this lens, the thought of drinking water every day can be… well, a little bit boring. Hell, even some adults still don’t like the taste of water!
However, it’s important that, despite their protests when offered a cup of H2O, we’re keeping their hydration top of mind. Even more so with summer being dehydration prime time. So here are our 5 favourite hydration hacks for kids.
1. Set the example
It’s the age-old saying: Monkey see, monkey do. Now, you’re obviously a bit more intelligent than the average monkey (especially if you’re reading this article), but the principle remains the same! Most children enjoy drinking water IF they make a habit of drinking it from a young age. So take charge and make water your drink of choice. Your kids will likely follow suit. And don’t worry; if you’re one of the adults we mentioned in the beginning, this next tip’s for you too.
2. Make it taste great
We get it. Drinking water can seem like a bit of a drag because, for the most part, it’s tasteless. So what’s the best way to make it over that hurdle? That’s right, add some flavor! Mixing water with different fruits and berries can not only liven up your little one’s cup of water, but can also give them some independence over their drink. The best part is, each day their water can have a brand new taste.
3. Make it fun
If there’s anything we’ve learned in our time as parents, it’s that kids love two things: games and rewards. So if you’re finding yourself in a constant struggle to get their daily intake of water, switch up your approach. Make it a competition. See if they can beat how much you drink, or if they can reach a certain point in their cup. More likely than not, they’ll be happy to accept the challenge.
Once again, this can be an activity that the whole family can get involved in. If everyone reaches their water goals, the family gets to do a fun activity.
4. Invest in playful drinkware
Previously we mentioned kids having independence over their drink. Take this a step further and get your kids designated cups that they can claim ownership over. Choose something that they have truly shown interest in; they will be more inclined to keep returning to this cup and continue drinking their fluids. You can also take a different route and invest in some silly straws. Children love being able to drink their water and watch it flow in a weird, unusual way.
5. The last hoorah
When all is said and done, if you’ve taken all the above steps on board and STILL find drinking water a struggle, you’ve got one final ace up your sleeve. It’s time to bust out the Hydralyte Ice Blocks. With kids (and adults) losing water and electrolytes from sweat and running around, these frozen blocks of deliciousness are excellent for rapidly rehydrating. Or, if you’re on the go, you can quickly mix up a Hydralyte Powder Sachet with water as well. So, when the little ones are dehydrated (which is probably likely if they’re refusing water), a Hydralyte should help them get back to where they need to be.
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