How much water does my child need a day? This a question parents ask friends and the pediatrician. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. Research from a recent study* discovered that kids who drink less than 4 glasses of water a day are more likely to request soda, juice, and sports drinks (76%) It also discovered that moms don’t give regular water reminders. Barely half of moms (52%) regularly remind their child to drink water.
As you read this are you thinking when did your child last take a sip of their water today? I know I was as I started to read the survey.
I’m partnering with @NestlePureLifeUSA for The Ripple Effect. #ad
Ways to Keep Kids Hydrated
Teaching in several classrooms over the years and adding my own 3 children, I’ve discovered that not all children are the same when it comes to drinking water. My oldest walks around everywhere he goes with his water, literally. He realized very early in his pre-teen years just how important it was to him his studies and sports. You can quickly see him react poorly without proper hydration.
My youngest daughter is a water girl with ice. She loves to fill her cup up throughout the day with water and ice and stays hydrated. She just entered Pre-School this year where they have a program that focuses on healthy habits and the first topic is hydration. Just because the teacher says so she keeps reminding me she needs to stay hydrated and offers to get water for members of our family. I think it’s a hoot that I’ve told her for 4 years to drink her water but now that her teacher says to do it she thinks it’s one of the most important things she does. Do you have one like this in your family?
I recently read in the study* that kids who drink 4+ glasses of water per day are more likely to frequently exhibit healthy habits, such as getting their own water when thirsty, eating their fruits and vegetables at meal times without reminders, and requesting healthy food and beverage options for school lunches.
My middle daughter is the one that I need to watch out for. She literally changes her personality a bit when she’s not hydrated enough. And encouraging her to drink takes effort and time to make sure she’s had enough before, during, and after school. There are a few things we do now to make sure she’s on track and hydrated. Do you have a child like this in your family?
We’re not alone, according to the research* Drinking water is one of the biggest “healthy habit” struggles moms have with their kids (38%), even more than struggles like “eat your fruit” (29%), “get enough exercise” (23%), and “eat your breakfast” (19%).
A recent study* stated that 54% of all school-aged children are inadequately hydrated. This shockingly high number alarmed Nestle® Pure Life®, and they’re creating efforts to reduce it.
Partnering with After School All Stars, Nestle® Pure Life® is working to hydrate as many as 4,000 kids a day. Additionally, they’re helping consumers keep their own families hydrated with information and tips on the site pureliferippleeffect.com.
Ripple Effect at Home
I’m going to attack this a few ways at home. I’m going to be sure our fridge has pre-stocked bottles in it so that they can grab and as we head out the door on adventures. I’m also making sure that she drinks a glass of water before school, class, lunch, after school, and dinner.
We’re going to chat about all the times of the day that work for keeping hydrated. I hope they both begin to see the ripple effect in her own bodies.
I’m also printing out this printable on page 3 from Nestle Pure Life Hydration Kit to keep on our fridge to remind us.
Ripple Effect at School
I’m making sure that my daughter brings water with her to school each day. I’m also personally donating a case of water to her class just in case there are some days when a student forgets to bring theirs. I’m also planning to donate a case of water to school events that tend to have sugary drinks so that kids can purposefully make that choice to drink water and keep hydrated. I might just add a cute label to the bottle to win offer some with the ripple effect.
Establishing healthy habits in early childhood has lifelong benefits. Nestle is calling this The Ripple Effect and are encouraging moms and their kids to reach for water first. I’m excited to share that I’ve be asked to join with other mom ambassadors across America to share our tips for making healthy changes this school year. to inspire other moms to join the Ripple Effect Movement.
Nestle® Pure Life® is a proud supporter of the Partnership for a Healthy America’s Drink Up Initiative. Nestle® Pure Life® is committed to helping families make healthier choices, starting with hydration.
Be sure to visit PureLifeRippleEffect.com where moms can shares tools and tricks to teach their kids about the importance of staying healthy and hydrated. Let’s empower parents to send our kids off to school each day fueled and hydrated.
Use the hashtag #PureLifeRippleEffect and Connect with Nestle® Pure Life® on Instagram or Facebook
*Source Prevalence of Inadequate Hydration among US Children and Disparities by Gender and Race/Ethnicity: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2012. Erica L. Kenney, ScD, Michael W. Long, ScD, Angie L. Cradock, ScD, and Steven L. Gortmaker, PhD Am J Public Health,2015. #pureliferippleeffect
