Nothing quenches thirst like water does – I’ve put this to the test and proved it to be true more times than I can count. I don’t know about you but water gives the thirsty me the satisfaction that no other drink – never mind that they’re ice cold on an unforgivably hot day – can. But that’s the adult me.
Kids are a different matter altogether. Having been a kid and now, having kids my own, water is one distasteful concoction only to be taken when one is suffering from dire thirst and there are no other drinks around. Simply put, kids just don’t like drinking water. It’s tasteless, flavorless, and colorless and it doesn’t fizzle. As my daughter aptly described it when I all but forced her to drink her glass of water after lunch: “BUT IT’S JUST SO PLAIN!”
But moms, if we almost always find ourselves at the losing end of the drink-your-water battle or, like our kids, we prefer to drink something with flavor, we must remember that WATER WITHOUT THE FIZZ AND THE FLAVOR IS THE BEST DRINK CHOICE WE CAN GIVE OURSELVES AND OUR KIDS. Here are some of the reasons why.
Water prevents obesity. Juices and other flavored drinks can be loaded with calories and sugar. Drinking too much could tip off your child’s weight. Health complications associated with obesity, such as Type II Diabetes, are easier prevented than treated and one way to prevent them is to load up on old-fashioned water together with healthy meals you prepare and exercise which children can easily get from playing outdoors. Besides, there are times when your kids say they are hungry but are actually thirsty. And drinking water makes them feel full especially after eating meals.
Water keeps us hydrated. Stress out to your kids that drinking water is important to keep them hydrated throughout the day. Being hydrated means their bodies and minds will be able to function properly. If they scrimp on it, they could actually be suffering from dehydration – mild or severe – without them and you knowing! Here are some of the dehydration signs to look out for:
- Short attention span
- Inability to focus
- Sleepiness
- Reduced cognitive skills
- Irritability
It is most important to keep your kids properly hydrated during summer’s hot weather. Dehydration coupled with the unforgiving sun can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke.
Water is affordable. Milk is a good alternative to water. However, while a gallon of the former costs a few dollars, old-fashioned water is basically free.
Water helps to flush out toxins from our bodies and makes it easier for our organs to absorb the nutrients from the food we eat. Yes, studies show that water is more than just a thirst quencher – it actually helps carry out the toxins from our bodies [via sweat and urine] and makes nutrient absorption easier. On the other hand, a number of juices and flavored drinks can actually trigger health maladies like urinary tract infections.
How to Get Your Kids to Drink Water
For older kids, you can simply make water drinking a rule in the house and they will most likely follow it through. It helps greatly if you don’t stock up on juices and other flavored drinks as they wouldn’t have any other drink options when in the house. But it’s best if you train your kids to drink water at a young age. They’ll develop the habit of drinking it as they grow up.
If your children’s not a fan of water, try feeding them natural water-rich foods like watermelon. Additionally, it’s best if you choose to make your own juices out of fresh produce. Store-bought or the ready-to-drink ones could be laden with calories, sugar and preservatives – the stuff you have to steer away from.
So, the next time you or your kid is thirsty, make reaching out for that bottle of water instead of juice or flavored drink a habit!