Your child’s hydration levels impact both academics and activity from pre-k through high school. Read on to learn how hydration affects your kids in the classroom, the warning signs of dehydration, and our top tips for keeping children hydrated in school.
Why Hydration Is Crucial for Children
Water transports nutrients, waste, and oxygen, manages body temperature and blood pressure, and lubricates joints and tissues in our young ones. Water intake is especially important in children as they have a higher water requirement in relation to body weight. To help them replace fluids lost via sweat, activity, and sickness, they must fill up on the right fluids to maintain adequate hydration levels. This can become an even bigger challenge as they don’t typically recognize the early signs of thirst, or regularly reach for a swig of water - making youth dehydration quite common.
How Hydration Impacts Kids in the Classroom
How Hydration Impacts Kids in the Classroom
As most parents know, dehydration has a negative impact on physical activity. However, it is often overlooked that hydration plays a critical role in academic performance. In fact, brain function drops when dehydration hits. Class participation and grades are partially fueled by fluid intake, which makes complete sense considering the brain is made up of 70% water.
As most parents know, dehydration has a negative impact on physical activity. However, it is often overlooked that hydration plays a critical role in academic performance. In fact, brain function drops when dehydration hits. Class participation and grades are partially fueled by fluid intake.
How to Spot Dehydration in Your Kiddos:
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Sleepiness / Fatigue
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Muscle Cramps
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Headaches
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Confusion + Dizziness
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Irritability
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Decreased mental performance and brain function
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Dry Mouth + Bad Breath
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Sunken Eyes
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Dark Urine and/or Infrequent Urination
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Dry Skin
Here are several symptoms of dehydration that your child can experience:
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Sleepiness
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Fatigue
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Headaches
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Confusion
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Lack of concentration
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Decreased mental performance and brain function
Creative Ways to Keep Your Children Hydrated at School
As a general rule, children should drink 6-8 cups of water a day, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for their nutrition benefit and to stay hydrated. As kids develop and progress through school, required water intake continues to increase. Here are our top tips for keeping your children hydrated throughout the school day:
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Pack a reusable water bottle. Throwing a bottle (possibly with their favorite superhero or cartoon character on it) in their backpack can encourage them to drink up.
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Swap out traditional sports drinks that are loaded with preservatives and artifical colors for our non-GMO electrolyte mix, the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier. Our Hydration Multiplier comes in three great-tasting flavors with half the amount of sugar and calories of sports drinks and soda.
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Swap sports drinks for electrolyte mixes. Our Hydration Multiplier is a healthier bet than traditional sports drinks thanks to natural ingredients that hydrate.
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Swap sports drinks for electrolyte mixes. Our Hydration Multiplier is a healthier bet than traditional sports drinks thanks to natural ingredients that hydrate.
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Treat your child with Liquid I.V. popsicles. Healthy desserts are the perfect way to soothe your little one’s sweet tooth
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Trade processed snacks for hydrating produce. Fruits and veggies like watermelon, tomatoes, and strawberries contain a high amount of water and are a great alternative to packaged snacks.
- Treat your loved ones to a delicious and healthy treat by sending them to school with their favorite Liquid I.V. popsicle. They're super easy to make and perfect for satiating your child's sweet tooth!
Special Considerations for Youth Athlete
Are your children after-school athletes? As your little superstars get their activity in, they will lose water due to sweat. To stay hydrated, they should turn to water and electrolytes. While we’ve detailed the science of sweat before, the fact is they need fluids before, during, and after practice so they can perform their best.
Are your children after-school athletes? As your little superstars get their activity in, they will lose water due to sweat. To stay hydrated, they should turn to water and electrolytes. While we’ve detailed the science of sweat before, the fact is they need fluids before, during, and after practice so they can perform their best.
Many youth sports camps keep Liquid I.V. handy. Our Hydration Multiplier is ideal for the entire family, and with 3X the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks, coupled with its ability to deliver hydration 2-3X faster and more efficiently than water alone, it just makes sense to add Liquid I.V. to your daily hydration plan.
Many youth sports camps keep Liquid I.V. handy. This child-friendly blend of electrolytes hydrates the body faster than water alone. Oh, and of course children adore the taste of our three best-selling flavors.
Final Word on Children and Hydration
Keeping your kids hydrated ensures that they stay healthy and happy throughout the school day. Use the tips above to keep your children performing their best in the classroom, and playing safe during their after-school activities.
Do you have additional questions about how Liquid I.V. can benefit your young ones? Feel free to reach out directly at info@liquid-iv.com.