You know that drinking water is essential to your health; It helps keep everything in your body working smoothly so learn these 7 Ways to Get Your Kids to Drink More Water.
However, H20 has a lot of competition when it comes to capturing the taste buds of the younger generation.
Store shelves abound with sugary concoctions guaranteed to deliver empty calories and tooth cavities.
Here are 7 Ways to Get Your Kids to Drink More Water.
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Add Their Daily Vitamins
One way to make water more palatable to the toddler set is to give it a touch of flavor.
Why not kill two birds with one stone by getting your little ones their vitamins at the same time?
You’ll find no shortage of add-ins containing vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
Stay away from those with chemical sweeteners, opting instead for natural ones that won’t spike your glycemic index like stevia and monk fruit.
Giving your little ones their vitamins via this method might improve absorption.
Your body needs sufficient water supplies to dissolve the nutrients it needs for optimal health.
Plus, it helps the “medicine” go down easier if your children balk at swallowing pills or dislike the taste of chewables.
Get Fruity
Another way to add flavor to plain water is by soaking fruit in it.
You also get a nutrition boost.
This method extracts many of the beneficial vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients your body needs without adding extra calories.
The latter feature matters — nearly 20% of American children qualify as obese, and more are overweight.
What fruit should you use?
The easy answer is anything your family likes.
You can even tailor your infusions to help ease any health issues you may have.
For example, the bromelain in pineapple helps some people with arthritis and migraines while adding a tropical twist to your water.
Try adding a bit of strawberry and kiwi to cut the tang.
Carbonate It
People with gastrointestinal disorders sometimes avoid flat water because it intensifies their stomach upset.
Other people have the opposite effect. If your kiddos fall into the former set — or balk at beverages without bubbles — you can carbonate water without all the additives manufacturers put in diet cola.
All you need is a Sodastream or a similar device.
The best part? You can return the empty CO2 cylinders for reuse, minimizing your carbon footprint while cutting down on the number of empty cans clogging your recycling bin.
Use your search engine to find out where to fill co2 cylinders near you to make the process straightforward.
Add Fun Ice Cubes
Want to make drinking water creepy for your kids around Halloween?
Include some “bloody” ice cubes in their brew.
All you need to do is add a few drops of red food coloring to your tray before freezing.
As the ice slowly melts, their beverage will turn eerily crimson.
You can also get playful with ice cubes in various shapes.
Best of all, you can pick up whimsical trays on the cheap at many dollar stores.
Check around holiday time — you’ll find anything from Santa and snowmen to rabbits and chicks for spring celebrations.
Make It a Popsicle
Who said that water had to come in liquid form?
Your children still increase their hydration levels if they eat their requirements in the form of frozen treats.
A set of popsicle molds and a few simple ingredients are all you need to whip up healthy and hydrating delights.
For example, try this recipe that hides a bit of spinach and kale among the watermelon and mango.
Your kids won’t notice the Mata Hari superfoods, but you’ll feel good about what you’re giving them for a snack.
You can sneak other veggies into these infused treats — a plus if your toddler turns up their wee nose at eating their broccoli or peas.
Try Some Tea
Another way to add valuable vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to your child’s hydration quotient is to get them hooked on tea.
Many herbal varieties are safe even for toddlers — these varieties don’t contain any caffeine that can interfere with naptime.
However, you do have to exercise caution with the ingredients.
Some little ones are allergic to certain ingredients, and others, like red clover, may not be safe for youngsters.
The following varieties are okay unless your tot has liver or kidney disease:
- Catnip: To gently ease your child to sleep.
- Chamomile: Another great one when nap time proves elusive.
- Mint: A well-known remedy for little upset tummies.
- Ginger: Another stomachache remedy that helps those with an aversion to mint.
Get Wacky With Bottles and Straws
How you sip can be as important as what’s in the cup to little minds.
Encourage your child to drink more water by getting them a customizable bottle that they can decorate with crayons, markers or stickers.
Your child will be proud to show off their vessel to their friends, and its presence reminds them to sip throughout the day.
If your child drinks out of regular glasses, get a little crazy with your straw selection.
You can have your kiddos build roller coasters and send their beverage for a ride before reaching their mouth.
Get Your Kids to Drink More Water
It can be challenging to compete with the sugary sodas and fruit juices lining your grocery store shelves.
Get your kids to drink more water using these 7 Ways to Get Your Kids to Drink More Water.
