Fall is in the air, which can mean only one thing—it’s time to send your kiddos back to school! While you’re out shopping for school supplies this year, be sure to add quality water to the list. Why? Drinking water improves memory and attention, yet roughly half of school-aged children are underhydrated.1 Since the brain is made up of over 70% water, every drop counts in helping them feel their best!
To help support your bookworms this school year, we’ve compiled a list of our top back-to-school hydration tips.
1. Carry a Refillable Water Bottle
Carrying a reusable water bottle is an easy (and sustainable!) way to get your child to drink more water. Not only will having it close by reminding them to fill up throughout the day, but it will cut down on waste associated with single-use bottles.
2. Set a Hydration Schedule
Create a hydration schedule for your kiddo that reminds them to drink water at specific times during the school day. Instead of setting noisy alarms on their phone or watch, try to get them used to drinking at least half a water bottle before leaving for school, during recess and lunch, between classes and after school.
3. Say No to Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks are dehydrating and full of empty calories. Instead of packing these, send your child to school with a full water bottle every day and encourage them to make water their go-to beverage during school hours.
Pro tip: If your child prefers flavored beverages, try infusing their water with fruits, herbs or even flavored tea bags for a delicious flavor boost.
4. Pack Hydrating Foods
Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated, but did you know that plenty of tasty foods are also great sources of this essential substance? Help your child boost their hydration throughout the school day by sending them off with water-rich foods, such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, grapes, and celery2.
5. Educate on the Signs of Dehydration
Teach your child about the signs of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness and decreased urine output. By understanding these signs, they can identify when they need to drink more water.
6. Lead by Example
As a parent, you’re all too familiar with the fact that your children often mimic your behaviors. Make sure you’re setting a good example by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and explaining why it’s so important to do so!
7. Send Them Back to School With Plenty of Water
Remember, the easier you make it for your kiddo to drink water, the more likely they’ll be to develop healthy hydration habits for life. If you pack their lunch each morning, simply add a water bottle full of water to their backpack. While you can’t follow them around school all day (that’s a good thing, we promise!), taking this step will ensure they have great-tasting water on hand the moment they leave the house.
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