Ten Tips to Keep Your Children from Becoming Dehydrated

No parent wants to see their child suffering through the symptoms of dehydration. Barring dehydration that comes attached to certain sicknesses, there is no excuse for any child to not be hydrated properly, and it is a parental responsibility to make sure they are. Here are ten tips for keeping your children from becoming dehydrated:

1. Lay Off the Soda

With rising levels of childhood obesity, laying off soda is a great concept for multiple reasons. For the purpose of hydration, soda is a poor choice. The caffeine in soda can lead to increased urination and when soda is all a child drinks they are never adequately replacing the water they are losing every time they go to the bathroom.

2. Let Them Eat Jell-O

Kids love Jell-O. When it is hot out, let them love it as much as they like, and if you have heavy children, make sure it is the low calorie kind! Eating Jell-O will help your kids because their bodies will absorb the water that is the foundation of the jiggle in the Jell!

3. Give Them Water on a Regular Basis

This should be obvious, but....so should a lot of things. If your child is outside playing around with friends, then give them a stopwatch that is preset to go off every hour. Let them know that this is a reminder that they are to come home and have a glass of water, have a glass from a friends' house, or take a sip from a water fountain. If you find out that they are not doing this, then a reprimand is in order.

4. Skip the Spaghetti and Give Them Chicken and Stars

Every store has a generic children's soup called Chicken and Stars (sometimes Alphabets). Buy this for your children to have for a snack instead of a tomato based product. The extra broth they will consume in a soup like this will be far better for them than spaghetti sauce.

5. Keep Them Dry

If you child is hot and sweaty, then have them come inside and change clothes. Not only is this better for their skin and health, but it also is a tangible declaration of water loss. If you child has sweated enough to saturate their clothing then give them some extra water and have them change clothes. Monitor them to make sure that they do not sweat-soak their new outfit to swiftly. If they do then they need a lengthier break.

6. Add Electrolytes

When you kid does sweat an inordinate amount in the span of twenty-four hours, even if they have been conscientiously drinking water, follow it up with either a children's drink or popsicle that contains a healthy amount of electrolytes. It never hurts to be conscientious and play it safe when it comes to the welfare of your family.

7. Dress Your Children Properly

If you children are going to be outside under the sun for any length of time, make sure they are wearing loose-fitting, bright-colored clothing to help reflect sunlight and reduce sweating.

8. Give 'Em a Hat

As small as it may seem a hat is a good way to keep your child hydrated. It provides a decent amount of shade over their faces. This will reduce sweat to an extent, which in turns aids in staying hydrated.

9. Ask Questions

When your child blurs through the house ask some targeted questions. Has your tummy had an ache today? Have you felt dizzy? Are you thirsty? If they answer yes, pull them aside immediately and give them fluid!

10. Add Some Fruit

At mid-afternoon snack time forget the sugary treats and let your kids chow down on some healthy and water-rich fruits like apples and oranges. These will help their bodies avoid dehydration and provide them with delicious nutrition as well.

Many of the tips suggested in this article are not only great for helping you and your children avoid dehydration but will also lead to your leading a healthier, more informed, family life together.