Ask your children that what do they, trees and a hamster have in common. I’m sure they will give up; the answer is water. Without water, our body stops working properly. Did you know that water makes up half of the weight of your body? And you cannot survive more than a few days without water. Our blood contains a lot of water, and its job is to carry oxygen in every cell. And the lack of water in our body causes dehydration.
Severe dehydration can cause death. The usual causes of dehydration are a lot of diarrhoea and vomiting. Dehydration can also occur if you do not eat or drink much during an illness or if you do not drink enough during or after strenuous exercise.
Although anyone can become dehydrated, those who become dehydrated the most easily are:
babies under 1-year-old- the elderly
- anyone who has a fever
- people in hot climates
However, these are basic knowledge which your children should know.
- The importance of water in a kid’s body is much more than in an adult’s.
- Children run and play around the whole day, which makes their bodies lose a lot of water through sweating, if they don’t drink enough water, they would be dehydrated.
- A grown-up needs to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
- Children should drink at least 6-7 glasses of waters every day.
- In summer, children need to drink more than 8 glasses of water as the weather becomes really hot.
- Drinking two cups of milk every day helps kids a lot to maintain their bodily need for liquids as well.
In summer, a lot of juicy fruits are available and don’t forget to give your kids juices of fruits like mango, watermelon or papaya. Make them eat strawberries as they have very low calories but a high amount of water. Don’t let them drink carbonated beverages as they are nothing more than liquids with sugar.
If your kid doesn’t want to drink much water, then you can use some tricks.
1. Let them choose their own water bottle:
From Sponge Bob to Princess Jasmine, there is a wide variety of water bottles just for kids. Letting them select their special jug and/or cup for water may be just the incentive they need. You can find some good water bottles at the store, and they won’t cost you more than 300-500 Taka. A water bottle is also a good option when you don't have access to water glasses or a cooler. Be sure to have your kids take along a water bottle with them at school.
2. Jazz it up!
Use frozen fruit in place of ice cubes. As the fruit thaws, it will flavor the water and add some natural zest. Try fruits like mangoes, papaya or apples.
3. Give a little praise!
Give your child a reward sticker for drinking their water or do a special dance when they give you an empty bottle. Tell them they’re awesome and a super water drinker! They will drink up the praise…literally!
4. Make a cup of juice the reward for finishing the water.
Especially when it's hot outside and they're getting sweaty, ensuring that they are well hydrated is essential.