The human body is made up primarily of water. There is nothing more important to the health of individuals, especially children, than an adequate intake of fresh, clean water. Children often do not take in enough water on their own without parental intervention. As a result, it is important for parents to understand how much water benefits their children by helping them maintain healthy levels of hydration.

Inadequate Water Consumption Impacts Children in a Variety of Ways

Children between the ages of 4 and 10 are the most vulnerable for insufficient water consumption and the problems that can result according to research conducted by the Natural Hydration Council (NHC). The research has shown that water benefits behavior as well as the body. Children who do not maintain adequate levels of water in their bodies tend to be tired and do not get adequate exercise due to their lack of energy. They often experience difficulty focusing on their work in school, and tend to be grumpy and cause disruptions in the classroom.

How Much Water Do Young Children Need?

The amount of water children need each day in order to stay sufficiently hydrated can vary depending on a number of factors such as their age, gender, size and the amount of physical activity in which they are regularly involved. In general, most children need 6 to 8 full glasses of fresh water each day, with larger children usually requiring a little more and smaller children getting by with a little less. Ensuring that children have adequate water, benefits them by making them accustomed to drinking water daily and helping them to grow into healthy adults both physically and mentally.

Stay Away from the Sugary Drinks

Although sugary and fizzy drinks are acceptable in moderation, they do not result in the healthy levels of hydration provided by the regular consumption of milk and water. According to doctors at the NHC, water is most beneficial for the body, and is ideal for providing hydration, as it contains no sugar, preservatives, additives or calories. Although children tend to love smoothies and may beg for them often, it is best to limit the popular drinks to no more than one per day.

Water Consumption Levels are too low Overall for Many Children

Researchers at the British Dietetic Association (BDA) found that water consumption is too low for many children between the ages of 4 and 18. Their studies have found that over half of the youth in this age bracket consume considerably less water than the amounts recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for maintaining healthy levels of hydration. It is vital that parents monitor their children's water intake

The human body is made up primarily of water. There is nothing more important to the health of individuals, especially children, than an adequate intake of fresh, clean water. Children often do not take in enough water on their own without parental intervention. As a result, it is important for parents to understand how much water benefits their children by helping them maintain healthy levels of hydration.

Inadequate Water Consumption Impacts Children in a Variety of Ways

Children between the ages of 4 and 10 are the most vulnerable for insufficient water consumption and the problems that can result according to research conducted by the Natural Hydration Council (NHC). The research has shown that water benefits behavior as well as the body. Children who do not maintain adequate levels of water in their bodies tend to be tired and do not get adequate exercise due to their lack of energy. They often experience difficulty focusing on their work in school, and tend to be grumpy and cause disruptions in the classroom.

How Much Water Do Young Children Need?

The amount of water children need each day in order to stay sufficiently hydrated can vary depending on a number of factors such as their age, gender, size and the amount of physical activity in which they are regularly involved. In general, most children need 6 to 8 full glasses of fresh water each day, with larger children usually requiring a little more and smaller children getting by with a little less. Ensuring that children have adequate water, benefits them by making them accustomed to drinking water daily and helping them to grow into healthy adults both physically and mentally.

Stay Away from the Sugary Drinks

Although sugary and fizzy drinks are acceptable in moderation, they do not result in the healthy levels of hydration provided by the regular consumption of milk and water. According to doctors at the NHC, water is most beneficial for the body, and is ideal for providing hydration, as it contains no sugar, preservatives, additives or calories. Although children tend to love smoothies and may beg for them often, it is best to limit the popular drinks to no more than one per day.

Water Consumption Levels are too low Overall for Many Children

Researchers at the British Dietetic Association (BDA) found that water consumption is too low for many children between the ages of 4 and 18. Their studies have found that over half of the youth in this age bracket consume considerably less water than the amounts recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for maintaining healthy levels of hydration. It is vital that parents monitor their children's water intake, particularly the youngest ones, and make sure they are consuming the proper amounts. In fact, it is best to start toddlers off with water at most meals and during snack time so that they do not become accustomed to having sugary juices and fizzy drinks with meals.

Water benefits children and adults more than any other form of hydration. Children who grow up with an appreciation for the taste of a tall, cool glass of refreshing water usually become healthier adults with more energy and vitality.