While we worry about the food our children eat, it’s easy to forget the importance of water. Children are at greater risk of dehydration compared with adults due to lower body weight, so here are a few tips to ensure your kids are getting enough fluids during the school day:
Start the Day Right: Once kids arrive at school, they’re unlikely to remember to keep hydrated. Make sure your child has a drink with their breakfast before leaving the house in the morning. A glass of juice with their cereal can make all the difference.
Importance of Food: Many foods have high water content, so try to integrate these into the school lunches. Add fruit to their lunchbox and put some salad into their sandwiches. You can even send them to school with a flask of soup when the weather turns cold.
Carry a Drink: While you’ll remember to pack drinks into their bags for lunchtime, don’t forget to add an extra bottle if it’s PE day or if they’re doing after-school activities.
Be aware of Taste: Studies suggest that active children consume more fluids and stay better hydrated when the liquid is flavoured. Add cordial to water or give your kids juice to encourage fluid intake.
Make it Fun: Smoothies and milkshakes are a lot more exciting than a glass of water, so alternate these to keep things interesting. Smoothies can be given as part of breakfast or lunch and a milkshake can be whizzed up for an after-school snack.
