Many children start their day in a state of dehydration. A major reason for this is that humans lose up to two pounds overnight through simple respiration and sweat. Don’t believe it? Try weighing yourself just before bedtime and again just after waking. That loss is all fluids. The smaller the child, the lower the amount, but the percentage of water loss is still significant. Most children do not like to drink early in the morning. Due to this, they come to school with a dehydrated brain and are not ready for learning. Even mild levels of dehydration can cause mood swings, poor energy levels and the inability to think and process clearly.
Why hydrate?
Water makes up 60% of our bodies, which means it’s imperative to stay hydrated so that our bodies can function properly. For example, our brain is made up of 80% water, making water one of the primary tools for neurological transmissions. Without the necessary amount of water, both yours and your child’s abilities to focus, absorb and regurgitate information greatly decrease when you are thirsty. When engaging in physical activity, your child loses even more water through perspiration.
When children lose too much water their brain cells lose efficiency. EM Gordon’s research in 2012 showed this loss of fluids can negatively impact short-term memory and long-term recall. Dehydration affects both physical performance and cognitive function and can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness and mood swings. These reasons point to the importance of staying hydrated. Children need to drink water, especially in the mornings. Skip the milk, juice, sodas and energy drinks, and give them just plain water. It is a simple thing that can have a dramatic impact on the child’s day and long-term health.
Drink up!
Some children can be quite stubborn when it comes to drinking anything other than sugar-filled juice. Fortunately, there are several ways parents can encourage their little ones to stay hydrated throughout the day. If your child isn’t a fan of plain water, you can spruce up their drink with frozen fruit as an ice cube substitute, a squeeze of lemon for added flavor, or a colorful, curly straw for a bit of fun. The amount of water each child needs varies greatly due to age, weight, gender, and the amount of daily physical activity they do. Generally, it is best to aim for six to eight glasses of water each day. On hot, exercise-filled days, it’s important to keep a water bottle on hand at all times so your child has a hydrating option to turn to when feeling thirsty. Remember to begin and end every day with a glass of water, and always encourage your children to stay hydrated!
For more information on special preschool programs that help and support your child in reaching his or her learning goals, talk to the staff at one of the premiere schools listed on Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies Atlanta. The Kids ‘R’ Kids First Class Curriculum® incorporates many learning tools that are fun and engaging, and the staff would love to discuss each program with you.
About Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies®
Headquartered in the North Atlanta suburb of Duluth, GA, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies® provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. With over 160 locations in 15 states, Kids ‘R’ Kids International® is a family owned and operated organization that ranks in the top 10 nationwide for franchised early childhood education centers. Find a Kids ‘R’ Kids location near you.
