NUTRITION: 3 Fun & Easy Tips to Help Your Child Stay Hydrated
As parents, we’re always juggling a million things—meals, school drop-offs, sports practices, playdates, and of course, making sure our little ones are healthy and happy. When our schedules are full, it’s easy to lose track of one of the most important self-care practices for our body: staying hydrated. The good news is, keeping our children hydrated doesn’t have to be a battle. With a little creativity (and a few stickers!), you can make sipping water a fun part of their daily routine.
Here are three simple tips to help your child stay hydrated:
1. Try a Kid-Friendly Electrolyte Drink
Sometimes plain water just isn’t exciting enough for kids. If your child isn’t a fan of drinking water—or they’ve been extra active, especially in hot weather—an electrolyte drink can help. Look for low-sugar options (there are plenty out there now with clean ingredients but our family loves LMNT*). These drinks help replenish essential minerals like potassium and sodium, and kids often enjoy the fruity flavors. Bonus: they feel like a treat!
Pro tip: Freeze some into popsicle molds for a fun hydration snack on hot days.
2. Let Them Choose a Water Bottle They Love
Kids are much more likely to drink water if they’re excited about how they drink it. Head to the store or browse online together to pick out a water bottle that reflects their personality—maybe it has dinosaurs, sparkles, or their favorite color. Look for bottles with straws, spouts, or fun designs that are easy for little hands to use and clean.
Pro tip: Label the bottle with their name and keep it in their backpack or by their bed so it’s always within reach.
3. Make It a Game with a Sticker Chart
Who doesn’t love a sticker chart? Turning hydration into a daily game can be super motivating, especially for younger kids. Create a simple chart with spots for morning, afternoon, and evening. Each time your child finishes their water bottle or drinks a certain amount, they get to add a sticker. Once the chart is filled up, celebrate with a small reward—maybe a trip to the park or picking a movie for family night.
Pro tip: You can also track hydration alongside other healthy habits like brushing teeth or eating veggies—double the motivation!
Helping your child stay hydrated doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few fun tools and a bit of encouragement, it becomes something they’re excited about—and that’s a win for both of you. Follow us on social media (@inclyousionsports) for more parenting tips and tricks!
*If you make a purchase through this referral link, you will receive a free Sample Pack (if this is your first purchase with LMNT) and we may receive free products.
