Kids and Hydration

Children are at a greater risk of dehydration than adults. This is because in relation to their size, children have a larger proportion of their skin available to lose sweat and be exposed to heat. Additionally, children don’t always recognize that they’re thirsty, and if they’re not encouraged and reminded they may forget to drink. This is especially important at the start of the school year when everything is new and children may not be sure of the teachers rules about drinking during class.

If your child comes home from school super tired and lethargic, be sure to ask them how much water they had during the day. An easy point of reference is to tell them how many times they need to fill up their water bottle during the day. Something as simple as: have one bottle before lunch and one after (this depends on the size of their water bottle) is easy for them to remember. Maybe slip a note into their lunchbox about re-filling their bottle or perhaps asking the teacher about water bottle rules for her classroom.

A well hydrated child will be able to concentrate better in the classroom and avoid the lethargy and headaches associated with dehydration.

If you wait until you are thirsty – you are already starting to become dehydrated.