This season, our sun is strong! While our children enjoy playing outside and doing various types of activities, the heat can become a danger to their small bodies. One of the most important things for us as parents is to ensure they stay well hydrated.
When a child plays, they often forget to drink water, and by the time they react to the feeling of thirst, their body may already be very dehydrated. To help our children continue enjoying their vacation, IBiSA has 5 practical tips:
*Make water more attractive and tasty: If the child finds plain water “bland,” add pieces of fresh fruit like watermelon, pineapple, kiwi, lime, or strawberries into their water in a clear glass or cup. The color and mild flavor make the water a bit more interesting to drink!
*Create a “Hydration Break” during playtime: Don’t wait until they ask for water. Set a fixed schedule for water breaks (just like in the World Cup), for example, after every game or every 30 minutes when they are outside.
*Choose fruits with high water content: Food hydrates too! Offer fresh snacks like watermelon, grapes, melon, cucumber, and fruit salad during the hottest hours of the day.
*Make their own fruit popsicles: Instead of, for example, ice cream with a lot of added sugar, make popsicles at home using natural juice. It’s delicious, refreshing, and healthy!
*Dress for the weather and seek shade: Avoid direct sun between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Dress them in thin fabrics and always use a hat and sunblock.
Keeping our children hydrated doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little creativity and routine, we can make this hot season a sporty, healthy, and joy-filled time for the whole family.
