Water is imperative to all living things – humans, animals and plants. Making children aware from a young age how vital water is will make drinking it a habit instead of a hindrance. However, the habit needs to be maintained, particularly as they start developing preferences for soft drinks and milkshakes.
Children have a lot of energy, and are constantly busy with schoolwork and extra-curricular activities, making it even more important that they stay hydrated. You should allow them to enjoy the occasional sugar-laden drink, but keeping up a water-drinking habit is essential. The mantra of “water is good for you†may stop working at some point, so try making other associations that will inspire a child to drink water.
Animals
Marine biologist, ethologist, veterinarian – if a child wants to be any of these, you already have a foot in the door. Even if they are just a lover of animals in general, it’s a big help. Remind children that just as animals need water, so do people. If you have a pet at home, you also have an accomplice. Simply pointing out how a dog laps up water after going for a walk or a run is a great indicator of how natural and necessary it is to remain hydrated. If your child loves walking dogs or going horse-riding, make sure they take a water bottle along when participating in these activities. Alternatively, when they return from dog-walking or horse-riding, your child can fill the animal’s bowl or trough before you hand them a glass so they can quench their thirst too.
Sports
If you have an athletic and competitive child, inspire them to up their game by implementing water into their exercise routine. Remind them that water makes them healthier and gives them energy, making them more capable and giving them an edge in competition which will ultimately allow them to perform better, and even win.
Arts and Crafts
Children who are not as physically active as their athletic or sporty peers still need to drink water. Create a project for your child decorating water bottles, water coolers or water dispensers. Pack a newly decorated bottle, filled with water of course, into their school bag every day and already they are one step closer to filling their daily water quota.
Science and Biology
Take it back to basics and teach them the facts. Children love finding out new information, and they love to sound smart. Explain how water is good for their health and will make them feel better, allowing them to perform better at school and in sports. Teach them that most of our body is made up of water and two-thirds of the Earth is made up of water. There is no denying that water is important to life, and making children aware of this will encourage them to share their knowledge with others.
These are just a few suggestions to help children drink more water. There are many other things you can try – from leading by example to employing the use of colourful cooler cups and silly straws. Get creative and think of your own ways of encouraging water consumption. The best tip is always to look at where their interests lie, and use them to make water an interest too.
