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Young children are sponges. At least, my three are. So this is the time that I want to instill in them the knowledge on the importance of taking care of themselves. Just as Doc McStuffins does on the Disney Junior show that airs on Fridays! One sure way to do that is to instill their love of choosing water to drink instead of sugary alternatives. But how much water should kids drink a day?

Doc McStuffins - Drink More Water Song

Did you know that making sure your kids drink enough water can also help prevent illness and actually strengthen your kids bones and teeth as well as supporting the proper operation of their body systems?

The recommended amounts of water kids should drink is below*:

  • 5 glasses (1 litre) for 5 to 8 year olds
  • 7 glasses (1.5 litres) for 9 to12 year olds
  • 8 to10 glasses (2 litres) for 13+ years

Additional benefits to drinking the correct amount of water include weight management – great for kids who generally prefer the sugary, carbohydrate high foods – and can help prevent dehydration which can lead to crankiness, lack of concentration and more.

I, personally, have a cup of water with a straw out all day for my kids. I notice that they often stop by, take a swig or two and then  return to play. Just by having it within arms reach can go a long way in making sure that they consume it!

Also, I noticed that when I let them fill their own cups from the fridge, they felt ‘big’ and drank more! Yes, sometimes they spill and I have a little mess. But I would rather that then the alternative!

Also, showing them their favorite characters enjoying water can help encourage them too! Check out Doc McStuffins and the Drink More Water song below!

 I also always have water bottles in my car, in my bag or in easy reach for them. Instead of stopping at a fast food place for a sugary drink, I can hand them the bottles and quench their thirst with something their body needs! Adding a thermos with ice water to their lunch boxes also encourages water consumption. Especially if it has their favorite character on it!

Illness and Injury can scare a child. So preventing them from happening in the first place can go a long way in diverting those fears. Simple things like making sure your kids brush their teeth twice a day, making sure they wash their hands before meals and making sure their bedtime is sufficient and consistent can help.

Water is essential in the building of a healthy body and a productive mind. How do you encourage your kids to take better care of themselves?

If you need some more healthy kid ideas, be sure to tune into Doc McStuffins on Disney Junior on Fridays. Aside from helping others, Doc gives tips and advice to her ‘toys’ on how to better care for themselves too!

Learn more about Doc McStuffins and see my review of the premier too!

*Source of water metrics from HealthyKids!