Back-to-school season is in full swing and along with new routines, school supplies and after-school activities comes an important reminder: staying hydrated. From boosting focus in the classroom to keeping up energy levels for sports and homework, drinking enough water plays a big role in helping kids thrive throughout the school day and beyond. Here are a few tips to keep your family hydrated all year long.
Why is it important to stay hydrated in school?
For kids, even mild dehydration can affect focus, energy and mood – three things that directly impact learning performance in and out of the classroom. Proper hydration during the school day helps kids stay alert, absorb information and feel their best. Whether they’re doing homework after school or heading to practice, water supports bodily functions and keeps energy levels steady.
Start the day with a glass of water
Mornings can be hectic, but encouraging your child to drink a glass of water as soon as they wake up is a simple, healthy habit. After a full night’s sleep, this is a great boost to kickstart the day.
Just like breakfast fuels the body with energy, that first glass of water helps to rehydrate and get ready for a busy school day. Supporting digestion and improving focus before school, it’s a quick step that sets the tone for staying hydrated throughout the day.
Pack a reusable water bottle
Having water within easy reach throughout the day makes it much more likely that kids will stay hydrated. Packing a reusable water bottle ensures they always have access to water whether they’re in the classroom, at lunch or heading to after-school activities.
Look for a bottle that’s the right size for their backpack and has a secure, leak-proof lid to prevent spills. Insulated bottles are a great option for keeping water cool and refreshing all day long.
A reusable bottle is better for the planet by helping to cut down on single-use plastic waste and saves you from spending money on disposable bottles.
Hydrate after sports and activities
Physical activity causes kids to lose fluids through sweat, and if those fluids aren’t replaced, it can quickly lead to dehydration. Whether it’s gym class, recess or an intense practice, it’s important for kids to drink water right after being active.
Encourage them to take a few big sips as soon as they finish playing and keep sipping water over the next hour or so. Most of the time, plain water is the best choice for staying hydrated.
If your child has a long or very intense practice, especially in hot weather, a sports drink with electrolytes can help replace what’s lost.
Set hydration reminders
Between classes, homework and after-school activities, it’s easy for kids to forget to drink water, especially if they don’t always notice when they’re thirsty. Building simple reminders into their day can help make hydration a natural habit.
Encourage kids to take a drink at key times, like:
- Before leaving for school
- At lunch or snack time
- After recess or gym class
- Before and after sports or other activities
You can also connect drinking water to routines they already follow. For example, take a few sips before brushing teeth, before starting homework or after setting the table for dinner. Linking hydration to familiar habits makes it easier for kids to remember without constant reminders.
Another fun option is a water bottle with a built-in tracker or marked measurements. These bottles show progress throughout the day and can motivate kids to drink more by turning it into a small challenge or game.
Prioritize cleaner, safer water
Just like packing healthy lunches and staying on top of schedules, making sure your family has access to cleaner, great-tasting water you can trust is an essential back-to-school step. Filtration options like under-sink reverse osmosis systems are a great option because they offer robust filtration and the convenience of fresh, filtered water on tap.
A smart solution like Culligan’s Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis System makes it even easier, since the Wi-Fi connected system lets you to track water quality and get filter alerts right from the Culligan Connect app. This way, you can focus on the school year ahead knowing your water is one thing you don’t have to worry about.
Explore water filtration solutions.
As the school year kicks into high gear, keeping your family hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. By building simple habits, you can help them stay focused, energized and ready to take on each day. Pair those efforts with great-tasting filtered water at home and on the go, and you’ll set your family up for a happier school year one sip at a time.