4 quick tips to make water fun for kids
Kids are busy little people and drinking water is not usually a priority. There are more important things to do—like playing with toys, eating sweet treats, exploring their environment and building forts.
While drinking water can be inconvenient, it’s essential for growing bodies. Just like adults, kids need H2O to support their overall health. From protecting their organs to regulating body temperature, water is something we all need to thrive.
You know your kids need to stay hydrated, but how can you encourage them to drink nature’s liquid gold? Make it fun!
Not sure where to start? Keep reading because we’ve got four water-drinking tips to suit every child (and parents, too.)
1. Create an Aquatic Story Time
Our smallest humans have vivid imaginations, so storytime can be the key to hydration success. Consider playing a game that is tied to an epic adventure.
For example, you may have a tale of a superhero who has been given a special quest. To get energy and complete the mission, he needs to sip water. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Waterman!
Or, there may be a beautiful princess trapped in a castle. It’s surrounded by a moat and she can only be saved by drinking water. Every time they drink a cup she will be one step closer to freedom as the moat starts to drain.
From mermaids to fairies to race car drivers, choose an aquatic theme that will hold your child’s interest.
Of course, you’ll need to come back to your water game throughout the day. Make sure you and your child both have a reusable drink bottle ready to continue playing at any moment.
2. Implement Rewarding Water Challenges
Most children respond well to rewards, and giving them achievable goals helps to build confidence.
Fill their drink bottle up with water at the start of the day with the goal of finishing it before dinner time. A reward chart will be a visual reminder of their progress. You can make one yourself by drawing boxes on a sheet of paper and popping it on the fridge.
When your child meets their daily milestone they can put a sticker on the chart. Once the chart is filled it’s time for a reward—it should be something relevant to your little one, such as a new teddy, colouring book, game or outing.
Make sure to celebrate their success with those close to them, such as grandparents or siblings.
3. Craft a DIY Water Flavour Bar
Water doesn’t have to be boring. Add some flavour and tempt their taste buds with a DIY water bar.
Ask your little one to help you set up a station with a jug of chilled water and different ingredients. Look for additions that pair well with water, such as cucumbers, lemon, strawberries, mint, lime or orange.
This is a great way to boost independence, as it gives your child the chance to create something yummy for themselves. Plus, it encourages them to explore new foods they may otherwise say “no” to. As they gain confidence, ask them to help write a shopping list and prepare the ingredients with you.
Drinking flavoured water is fun for grown-ups too, so if you find yourself reaching for a soft drink pick-me-up, join in with the DIY water flavour bar get get a flavourful H2O boost.
4. Embrace Technology for Hydration
These days kids are born tech-savvy. Why not use technology to your advantage?
There are a range of apps that track drinking habits. For younger age groups, look for virtual, Tamagotchi-style pets that thrive when you log your water intake. These are available on both iOS and Android devices.
For older kids and teens, a wearable is a good option. Fitness watches come in smaller sizes and connect to dedicated apps. Your child can monitor their own water intake and overall health, including daily steps. If you do have multiple family members, make it a household challenge. For example, who can drink the most water and hit the 10,000-step mark each day?
Teaching your child good habits from an early age will benefit them throughout their lifetime. When they get used to taking a stylish drink bottle or reusable cup wherever they go, staying hydrated will become a regular part of their day.
While teaching kids new things can be a challenge, your persistence will pay off. Whether it’s aquatic storytime, reward charts, DIY water flavour bars or technology — drinking more water can be fun for the whole family. Happy hydrating!
