Dear parents,
As April brings warmer temperatures, we wanted to dedicate this “Question of the Month” to water. While staying hydrated may seem obvious, it is actually a habit that needs to be learned. Why should drinking water become a daily habit for our children?
Insights from our nutritionist, Bérénice Jaime
It is easy to forget that a child’s body is made up of nearly 70% water before adolescence.
In preschool and elementary school, children are very active. They move a lot and sweat more. As a result, they need to drink regularly.
Water is essential for the body to function properly: it regulates, transports, and protects. It supports both cognitive and physical performance by promoting blood circulation and delivering oxygen to the brain and muscles.
A well-hydrated child gets tired less quickly and is able to concentrate better.
How to spot dehydration?
A simple sign to look out for is the color of urine. If it is dark and strong-smelling, it is often a sign that your child needs to drink more. Other signs may include unusual fatigue, headaches, or difficulty focusing.
What are the daily guidelines?
- Around 1 litre for younger children (about 5 glasses)
- Up to 1.5 litres for older children
Add 0.5 litre in hot weather or during physical activity.
Encouraging children to drink water regularly is an important habit to build, both at home and at school.
The DeliDej approach
Eating well also means staying well hydrated.
We serve water to every child when distributing our lunch boxes. We also provide jugs and cups on the tables for all children in the schools we serve, whether they are DeliDej subscribers or not.
