Enjoy More Water | Keeping The Kids Hydrated

I am rubbish for water intake. It’s something I am constantly working to improve and even though I’m terrible at taking in water, I’m always making sure the boys have got a drink at hand. As soon as their cups are empty, I’m usually found filling them straight back up again.

Isn’t it crazy to think that 2/3 of parents don’t know how much water their children should be drinking each day? I’ve got to admit that I’d be in that group. I don’t measure how much the kids are drinking, I just fill up their cup. I don’t count how many times each has been filled either. Obviously, it’s easy as an adult because we’re told all these recommendations (2 litres or 8 glasses a day – whichever you choose) but nowhere says what the recommended amount is for a 1 year old, a 3 year old, or even a 12 year old.

It’s a little worrying seeing as, after a little research, that a child’s body does not cool down as efficiently as an adult’s. In the summer, if we ever get one this year, they will become dehydrated quicker and so will need hydrating more often. However, it’s best to not wait until they’re thirsty, catch it before it gets to that point and offer them drinks regularly.

Ted has recently been drinking out of Toby’s cup as well as his own – typical! Toby has been having small amounts of squash in for a while as we had to get him to drink something a while ago and flavouring it was the only thing that managed to persuade him. Since then, he’s never really been a big fan of plain water. And now Ted’s had a taste, he’s a bit of the same.

So, with real fruit in every drop, Robinson’s handy sized Squash’d range comes in some pretty awesome flavours, two of which are new; Lemon and Pink Grapefruit and Orange and Peach (yummy!). I always make a beeline for no added sugar, and Squash’d offers just what I’m looking for.  I’m always conscious about how much squash I’m adding to their drinks, but with these pocket sized pearls of squash, it’s one less thing I need to worry about. They distribute just the right amount for the boy’s cups without compromising on flavour.

The best thing about Robinson’s Squash’d is that they’re perfect to take out with you. Many a time I’ve been in restaurants where they don’t sell normal squash for the boys and it’s easy just to order some water and squeeze some of this in. Take it wherever you go; in your handbag, in your picnic hamper, in your changing bag. Even in your pocket and in the car if you must!

Toby and Ted are beyond active. They are some of the most physically able boys I know, and they have more energy than I ever thought possible. I can’t keep up with them half the time, especially if I’ve been up twice in the night – eek! They both adore getting out in the back garden, especially since we’ve had the “makeover” done and made it a nice and safe area for them to play in.

In a bid to reward them, and to get Toby used to getting stickers as rewards for when we get onto potty training, which shouldn’t be too long away, we’ve been using a sticker chart for when the boys have a drink! We really struggle to eat much of a variety and he doesn’t eat any fruit, so he doesn’t get much water from his food, so it’s so important that he’s kept hydrated with fluids.

It’s working so far! Offer a drink often throughout the day, make sure it’s got a dash of Robinson’s Squash’d in and hey presto, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem! How do you keep your kids hydrated? Any top tips for someone who struggles to get enough fluids, like me? #EnjoyMoreWater

*This post is an entry for BritMums #EnjoyMoreWater Challenge, sponsored by Robinsons