How to Keep a Child Hydrated During Sporting Events

During sporting events, parents may be in the stands watching their kids play, but these adults aren't at the bench reminding them to drink fluids. Kids become so wrapped up in the games that they don't think about taking replenishing breaks. Here's how you can keep your kid hydrated on game day.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Raise your children on water. The sooner you get them into the habit of drinking a lot of water, the better. As early as possible, skip the sugary and caffeinated beverages and offer them water instead.

2. Ask the coaches and instructors how they ensure their athletes' hydration. If they don't have the answers, give them literature to educate them on the subject. Tell your child to drink at regular intervals, even when he's not thirsty.

3. Teach your child the 20-minute rule. It's a good idea for kids who are participating in sports to take a drink every 20 minutes. When you're with your child, remind him until it becomes routine.

4. Drink throughout the day. On game days, coaches and parents should remind their athletes to hydrate all day long. This will give your child the advantage before the first whistle blows.

5. Provide your child with enough water and water bottles. It's not the coach's responsibility to provide drinks for the athletes, so send your child to a sporting event with her own.

6. Make it easy for your child to develop good drinking habits. Drink water throughout the day to serve as a role model. When your child drinks a glass, you should to.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your child to consider water bottles as a regular part of his sporting equipment.
• Make sure your child drinks either water or sports drinks because caffeine and sugar can speed dehydration.

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