Kids Health

Dehydration in children.

What do you give your kids for breakfast? If your household is like the majority of households in the country, then at eight o’clock in the morning, whilst juggling the kids’ packed-lunches, uniforms and homework, you will plonk a dish of cereal and a glass of orange in front of the kids because it’s quick and hassle free. How many of us think of encouraging them to drink a small glass of water though?

A recently reported study has shown that children are not drinking enough at breakfast time. Researchers from The University of Sheffield Medical School found that out of a sample of 450 children aged between 9 and 11, two thirds were not sufficiently hydrated when they started school in the morning. Although they were not classed as being clinically dehydrated, they would probably be dehydrated by lunchtime if they had no other drink. Children should drink about eight 150ml glasses of water each day to keep them in tip top condition. As well as the physical health benefits, it is thought that a child who drinks enough will have improved concentration and memory compared to a child who hasn’t drunk adequately.

The absolute best thing for your child is pure water. But failing that, dilute sugar free juice with as much water as your child will tolerate! If you can encourage them to drink little and often, they should soon get into the habit on their own. Many schools have drinking stations and allow water bottles in the classroom and teachers should actively encourage their class to have regular drinking breaks.

Summary

1. Give your kids a small glass of water at breakfast time.
2. Equip them with a water bottle for school and tell them to USE IT! It’s a good idea to get it home each night for a good wash.
3. Educate your kids about the benefits of proper hydration. ‘A drink helps you think!’