With the temptation of fizzy drinks and sweet treats, it can be challenging to get kids to drink water because, well, it’s boring!
I’m no advocate when it comes to water consumption, I must admit I am a little bit rubbish and have to remind myself constantly to top up my sports bottle.
However, we all know that drinking plenty of water has significant health benefits, so how do you get the kiddies to drink more water without starting world war 3?
Take a look at some easy ways to make drinking water more exciting. This may not be straight sailing, let’s face it when it involves kids nothing really is!
Use Fun Cups
Starting with the basics is a great way to get them drinking a little more. Kids love fun and colourful things, so using cups that make drinking a little more interesting is an ideal starting point. This can work exceptionally well for smaller children, as simple things can be the most fun. Did you know that both Bing and Elsa drink 10 glasses of water a day? (wink wink).
You could even add one of those curly swirly straws that you probably had yourself as a child.
Make Drinking A Game
I don’t mean THAT kind of drinking game! (That’s for when the kids go to bed). You could have a scoreboard or tally chart to make sure that everyone is getting their quota. The winner gets a reward or the loser does a chore.
Encourage Healthy Buys
If you’re out shopping, it can be tempting to just buy your usual cordials or squash. However, why not keep an eye out for new water drinks. There are lots of different types of water. Traditional mineral water, spring water, carbonated water, water with a twist of fruit and brands such as Donat water with health benefits which contain extra vitamins and minerals. Growing up, water was either from a tap or a puddle! By educating our children on the benefits of water, you can help them make better choices. Of course, you may just waste a few hours of your life that you will never get back as they will reach for the most syrupy, gloopy fizzy pop in the store!
Drink More Water Yourself
As mentioned before, it’s not just the kids that don’t get enough water in their diet; it’s adults too. Becoming a water role model for your kids will improve their view of water as an everyday drink rather than unhealthier alternatives. Plus, you also get the benefits that increased intake can bring.
Add Some Fruit
We all know water can be a little boring sometimes, so a great way to make it more appealing is to pop some fruit in it. The fruit gives it a subtle flavour without overpowering it, plus it’s a healthy alternative to fruit squash. Your little one may just surprise you and really like the added fruit, or they might just prod and poke it around the glass a little and then throw it on your floor! Where the dog will vacuum it up, or someone, most probably yourself, will walk over it barefoot resulting in it oozing between your toes.
Make Ice Lollies
In the summer, drinking more water is essential to avoid dehydration. But before heading to the ice cream van for a tasty treat, why not make some from water and fruit. There are plenty of recipes available online that give you the option of tons of naturally sweet treats topped up with a little water to make delicious summer lollies. Plus, they’ll help you save some cash too.
I hope this has helped you on your warpath to administering more water into your little one/s. If not then give them a slightly weaker cup of squash, this is way better than no fluids at all. Tomorrow is a new day and all that jazz!
*Disclosure – This is a collaborative post.
