Interesting Water Facts And Information For Kids
Do you need to coax your child to drink water especially during the colder months when he is less thirsty? Do you find your child reach out for a can of cola or juice rather than water to quench his thirst? Well, if you can relate your kid to the above situations reading this post is a must!
Water is probably the most under-rated component of our diet. But do you want to know how it can work wonders for your kid’s health? Read this article to find tips to help your kid enjoy the goodness of a glass of water and interesting fun facts as well!
Interesting Water Facts For Kids:
Your child needs water to replace fluids that he loses through breathing, sweating, excreting or urinating. (1) Fruit juices and other commercial drinks contain sugar that can adversely affect your child’s health if taken in excess quantities. This is reason behind why drinking water is better than consuming fruit juices. You can limit your child’s intake of these sweetened drinks in order to promote his health by encouraging him to drink more water that has no calories. (2)
How Much Water Should A Child Drink?
The water consumption depends upon the age, gender and other factors. The amount also increases with the increasing age. Your little one may require more water during the daytime when it is hot or when he is at ill heath. The recommended daily amount of total water for your child is as follows:
- 3 cups (0.7 Litres) for 0 to 6 months olds
- 3.5 cups (0.8 Litres) for 7 to 12 months olds
- 5.5 cups (1.3 Litres) for 1 to 3 years olds
- 7.5 cups (1.7 Litres) for 4 to 8 years olds
- 10.5 cups (2.4 Litres) for 9 to 13 years old males
- 10 cups (2.3 Litres) for 9 to 13 years old females
- 14 cups (3.3 Litres) for 14 to 18 years old males
- 9 cups (2.1 Litres) for 14 to 18 years old females
** “Total water” includes fluids from all foods and beverages that your child consumes (3).
Why Is Drinking Water Important For Kids?
Our body mainly comprises of water, and it is necessary for the normal functioning of all the organs. Water is the miracle fluid that keeps your body in working order, and it helps your body get rid of waste matter. Water for kids is essential. All of us lose water from our bodies each day, and you need to replace this regularly or you can get dehydrated which in turn endangers your life and health. If your child drinks enough water, his energy levels get replenished, he has a glowing skin, and he enjoys good overall health. Water helps your child’s body maintain the functioning of body cells and organs and build his body.
Can Less Intake of Water Harm Kids?
Don’t wait to serve your child a glass of water until he says that he is thirsty. If your child does not drink, the adequate amount of water, he is likely to suffer from dehydration. He may suffer from the following symptoms:
- dry mouth and lips
- excessive fatigue
- lethargy and lack of energy
- sunken eyes
- dizzy spells
- no tears when he/she cries
- dark, smelly urine
- headaches
You should immediately take your child to the doctor for treatment when you observe dehydration. The condition can also occur when your child suffers from food poisoning or fever. Playing outside in the sun for long hours too may cause dehydration in kids.
How Drinking Enough Water Can Help Your Kid?
Uses of water for kids:Drinking water can help your kid in the following ways:
- Helps in maintaining his weight.
- Helps in regulating your child’s body temperature.
- Aids the transportation of nutrients to different parts of the body.
- Alleviates Constipation and Urinary problems.
- Improves oral health as water contains fluoride.
Tips To Teach Your Child About The Importance Of Drinking Water:
Here are some handy tips to ensure your kid learns to drink enough water:
- You can teach children about the importance of drinking water in daily life through pictures, videos and by example.
- You can show your child two plants one that grows well when you water it and the one that withers when you don’t water it.
- Make sweet drinks a treat for drinking enough water.
- Give your child a refillable water bottle that he can take with him when he goes out to play.
Teaching your child, the importance of drinking water is a healthy lifestyle choice that you can help him make.
Did your kid drink less water? How did you help him keep the threat of dehydration at bay? Please share your advice and tip with us.
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