Kids need more water than adults, relatively speaking. They are more active than adults and don’t often realise they are thirsty. Here are some cool tips to keep your child hydrated this summer
- No substitute to water – Water is the elixir of life. Keep it readily available in glasses, bottles, sippers. Carry it along to the playground, club and whenever you take them outdoors
- Coconut water – Natural, healthy, vitamin rich liquid that is easily available
- Make water interesting – Put water in transparent jars, add a dash of lemon, cucumber, mint leaves or watermelon. Kids will want to have it.
- Raise a toast together – Whenever you have water, make it a practice to offer them as well. Let it be a game.
- Dairy products – Milk, milkshakes, yoghurt and lassi all are good sources of replenishing the body with energy and water.
- Fruits – Melons of all types, oranges, sweet lime, bananas are all refreshing for kids
- A little extra – Ensure that you provide some extra hydration in every meal – a small glass of chhaas for lunch, a bowl of soup for dinner, milk during snack time
You can offer kids some homemade ice popsicles, ice creams and fresh fruit juices as well to add variety.
What you should avoid
- Complete NO to aerated drinks and sugar loaded ready to have juices.
- Playing directly under the sun. Look for places in the shade. Best is to step outside early morning or in the evenings when sunlight is not at its peak
- Forcing a child to eat. If the child is not well or not feeling like eating, do not force food. Try giving some liquids as suggested above
