Are your kids drinking enough?

Did you know that 8 out of 10 kids are not drinking the proper amount of fluids that their bodies need?^* Is your child part of this statistic?

The heat can increase the body’s water needs. Numerous studies have shown that drinking enough glasses of fluids throughout the day is important to keep the body’s internal systems in check. However, each person has different hydration needs because of age, lifestyle, health, weather conditions, and other factors. Children are more vulnerable to dehydration than adults because their body mass have more fat and water. They don’t always notice their thirstiness right away, or even if they do, they tend to delay drinking until the last minute because they are usually caught up in the excitement of their activities. This may be a cause for alarm because they lose more fluids through perspiration and sweat.

Some parents have a misconception about dehydration among children. They believe dehydration is the condition of extreme thirst that requires hospitalization–but, in reality, losing as little as 2% of that water content can already make anyone thirsty and is already a point of dehydration. With this misconception, parents don’t notice or remind their kids to drink as much as they need to. For every ounce of fluid lost, the easier it is for a child to suffer from dry skin, constipation, weak muscles, headaches, illnesses, heat strokes, and in severe cases, even death.

So how much fluids should children drink? On normal days, kids aged six to 12 years old must drink at least five to seven glasses of fluids a day. For teenage girls and boys, the recommended amounts are seven to eight glasses and nine to 10 glasses, respectively. In comparison, seven to nine glasses are adequate for adults. It is estimated that a person may lose one liter—that’s equivalent to four glasses—or more of water from sweat per hour of working, exercising, or playing. The same goes for children, but their fluid loss depends on their size and weight. Have them drink a half-cup to two cups of water every 15 to 20 minutes whenever they are engaged in intense physical activities.

Children’s energy, memory, motor skills, and overall health take a hit with chronic dehydration. So how can you encourage everyone, most especially children, to stay cool?

Healthy hydration is a key component for good health in children. Since water flushes out harmful bacteria in the body, well-hydrated kids are less prone to sicknesses. Fluids give their minds and energy levels a boost and helps them do better in school. Water is best for staying hydrated. However, other drinks and foods which contain water can also help. Fruit and vegetable juices, milk, and tea can add to children’s water needs. Even water-rich foods like watermelon, oranges, yogurt, or soup provide hydrating effects.

Here are a few ways to get children to meet their daily liquid intake:

• Pair your child’s meal with a glass of water or their favorite drink. Let them choose their own water bottles and fun straws to encourage them to drink more.
• Offer drinks regularly especially during and after playtime.
• Prepare food that has high water content as snacks for children to nibble throughout the day.
• Always remind kids to drink whenever they feel tired and thirsty. You can even reward them with a few stickers as a treat for every glass they drink.
• Be a role model! Kids are more likely to drink their liquids if they see the grown-ups doing so as well.

Children will find it easier to drink what they enjoy the most. Aside from water, try giving them milk or fruit flavored drinks  like Tang. Tang has 100% Vitamin C and the goodness of real fruit taste that kids love. Encouraging kids to adopt a regular drinking habit ensures not only a great summer for them, but a healthy lifestyle too.

*According to Tang's #UhawAreYou? infographic