Drinking water is essential for good health, especially for children who need it for growth and development. However, getting kids to drink more water is not always an easy task.

Here are six surprising tricks that can help encourage your kids to drink more water.

1. Add Flavor

Kids often resist drinking plain water because it has no taste. Adding a hint of flavor can make water more appealing. Try infusing water with fruits, such as strawberries or oranges, or adding a slice of lemon or lime.

You can also try adding a splash of 100% fruit juice to enhance the taste without adding extra sugar.

2. Make it Accessible

Make water easily accessible to your children by keeping a pitcher of cold water in the fridge. Fill a reusable water bottle with water and keep it in your child’s backpack or place one on their nightstand for easy access.

Also, consider keeping a water dispenser in the kitchen or living room to encourage your children to drink more water throughout the day.

3. Make it Fun

You can make drinking water more fun by using colorful cups or straws, making it a game, or choosing a water bottle with a fun design. Let your kids pick out their favorite water bottle or cup, and allow them to decorate it with stickers or markers.

You can also challenge your children to drink a certain amount of water each day or make a game out of who can drink the most.

4. Set a Good Example

Kids often mimic the behavior of their parents, so make sure you lead by example by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Encourage your children to join you by making it a family affair.

You can even create a water drinking chart for the family, rewarding those who drink the most water each day.

5. Offer Water-rich Foods

Many foods contain water, which can help keep your child hydrated. Encourage your children to eat foods that are high in water content, such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Including these foods in your child’s diet can help supplement their fluid intake and keep them hydrated throughout the day.

6. Make it a Routine

Make drinking water part of your child’s daily routine. Encourage them to drink water with each meal and snack. You can also set reminders throughout the day or use an app to track their water intake.

Making it a routine can help your child develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.