Tips for Kids Who “Don’t Like Water”
By Chef Megan McCarthy, UnitedHealthcare of Georgia
Back to school means back to sports for many kids in metro-Atlanta. According to Dr. Linda Britton, medical director of UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, kids aged 4-13 should drink approximately 6-8 cups of fluid a day — more and more often when they are physically active in hot weather. Skip the juice and soda. Fruit water is a great way to make sure kids who “don’t like water” get the fluid they need to stay healthy and high-performance.
Recognizing Dehydration
If your child has a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, or is sweating a lot on a hot day or during intense physical activity, watch for signs of dehydration. These include:
- A dry or sticky mouth
- Few or no tears when crying
- Eyes that look sunken
- In babies, the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head looks sunken
- Peeing less or fewer wet diapers than usual
- Dry, cool skin
- Irritability
- Drowsiness or dizziness
Here are some refreshing ideas from UnitedHealthcare of Georgia to keep kids hydrated:
