Creative Ways to Get Your Kids to Drink More Water

My kids would rather drink juice than anything else, but I would like them to drink more water especially during the hot summer days when they are outside and tend to get over heated and possibly dehydrated. According to WaterCure, a person should drink approximately half their body weight in ounces. My son weights about 80 pounds and therefore should drink about 40 ounces of water a day which amounts to about 5 glasses. This can also come from other drinks that are mostly water such as milk and juice or even fruits and vegetables which have high water content. You may need to adjust this if you are eliminating more water through exercise or are in the sun. Listen to your body and drink if you are thirsty.

Here are several ways to make water more intriguing to your kids and you may even find yourself wanting to drink more water.

Have a variety of fun and colorful water bottles and jugs available. I have found these water bottles at Wal-Mart, Aldi, and even the dollar store. I bought some at Wal-Mart with a removable ice pack that you can freeze and then insert when ready to use. Let your kids pick the container they want and fill it up with H2O.

Silly straws can make drinking anything a blast. If you give your kids a silly straw to drink with then even water will taste yummy to them! You can find silly straws everywhere and many are sold in multi packs of different colors. Check out the party favor isles at your store and you will probably find silly straws.

Re-usable plastic ice cubes. These are fun and come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. During the spring and summer you will find these in the picnic section of your store. I have seen fruit shapes, colored cubes, and even balls! Keep these in the freezer and let your kids fill their cup with these re-usable ice cubes before adding water.

Sliced lemons, limes, and oranges add a little flavor and color to plain water. Find out which your kids prefer and then add a slice to their drink. It will have a hint of flavor and color and they will be sure to ask for more.

Lemon and lime juice will add a citrus and tart flavor. You can use fresh squeezed juice from lemons and limes or buy lemon or lime juice concentrate in the produce department or juice isle. My toddler loves squirting this into her water.

Keep mini water bottles available for on the run moments. My kids only waste the larger water bottles and although the mini ones tend to be more expensive, we don't waste them and you can also refill later. They are also cute and my kids like to drink them.

Teach your kids to serve themselves. Take advantage of the do-it-myself stage of little ones and let them get their own water from the refrigerator door or kitchen sink. This was the only drink my daughter could get by herself when she was two and now she helps herself to water all the time. And if it spills, it's easy to clean up and does not leave a sticky mess!

Sources: www.watercure.com, www.mayoclinic.com/health/water