How To Encourage Your Children To Drink More

When your children drink a sufficient amount of water they are more likely to be healthy. A child’s bladder and bowel can be much healthier and your child can feel better. 

But how can you encourage your children to drink more? We’ll explore this now. 

Try To Make Drinking Normal 

Drinking fluids should not be something that’s only done at meal times. Rather, it should be normal to drink whenever someone is thirsty, if not before. 

Using a counter top water purifier, and having jugs of water available is ideal. Make sure you are seen drinking water too. This will help to normalize it. 

Choosing Cups and Straws 

A very good way to encourage your children to drink more is to:

• Let them choose which cup they want to drink from
• Allow your children to drink from glasses if they’re old enough 
• Letting your little ones choose a straw 

When you do all of the above you help to make drinking more fun. 

Understand How Your Child Drinks 

Some children prefer to drink from a glass that’s half empty. 

Others prefer to drink from a full glass after being told that they have to drink half of it. 

Try not to argue with your children if they don’t want to drink much.

Drinking water or any fluids should not be something of a battle ground. 

Drinking While At School 

When your child is at school it can be hard to monitor their fluid intake. However, filling a sports bottle with water can help. When your child drinks all or most of the water tell your child that you’re pleased with them. 

If your child likes to drink cold drinks consider placing the sports bottle in the freezer overnight. Make sure you don’t completely fill the water bottle before you place it in the freezer. 

Your child may enjoy drinking the water as it melts. Cold water can be ideal if you live in a hot state or the summer sun is shining down. 

Make Popsicles For Your Little Ones 

Most children absolutely love popsicles. Many adults love them too. Consider:

• Making popsicles at home so your little ones can enjoy them 
• Use fruit juice that is low in sugar
• Be sure to dilute the fruit juice so the popsicle contains a lot of water 
• If your child is old enough to eat berries by themselves, add a berry or two to the popsicles
• Consider using different fruit juices so that your children have different flavors to choose from
• Have popsicles in stock at all times so your children can enjoy them when they wish

Popsicles are relatively easy to make and they can help to ensure your children drink enough fluids. The benefit of home made popsicles is that children can enjoy them without realizing they’re increasing their fluid intake. 

Try Not To Let Your Child Drink Before Bedtime 

Unless your child is thirsty or hasn’t drunk much, drinking one hour before they go to bed can cause issues. A child is more likely to wet the bed if they have a drink close to bed time. 

Be sure to speak to your doctor if your child has problems with their bowel or bladder. 

Make Your Children’s Drinks Look Fancy 

Many children will love nothing more than to drink something that looks fancy or jazzy. 

Fill up a water jug or dispenser with some umbrellas and fruit.

You could even add some ice cubes that contain fruit juice. 

Couple all of this with some fun-looking straws and your children are more likely to drink. 

Of course, you may need to re-think this on a cold day.

Simply refrain from putting ice cubes in a drink on a cold day.

Consider adding straws that are colorful and reflect the current season.

You could, for example, add a straw or two with Santa logos on it. 

Let Your Children See You Drinking 

Most children learn by copying others. Therefore, it makes sense if they see you drinking water and fruit juice. 

Let your children see you drink at least a few times a day. Always have a drink at meal times. If you can, have a jug of water and glasses on the table at every meal times. This will help you to encourage drinking. 

Use these tips to help you to encourage your children to drink more. When they do, they’re likely to feel better, have more energy, and be healthier.