Water and Well-being: Encouraging Healthy Hydration in Young Children

The Importance of Water for Young Children: A Vital Element for Growth and Learning

Water is essential for life, and its importance in the healthy development of young children cannot be overstated. As early childhood educators, ensuring that children remain well-hydrated is a fundamental part of promoting their overall well-being and supporting their learning and play experiences.

Why is Water Important for Young Children?

Water makes up at least 50% of a child’s body weight and plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. Adequate hydration is essential to:

• Ensure proper bodily functions, including circulation and digestion

• Maintain body temperature, preventing overheating

• Support regular bowel activity and prevent constipation

• Satisfy thirst and promote overall comfort

Given the high energy levels of young children, water intake must be prioritised to help them remain active, focused, and engaged throughout the day.

How Much Water Do Preschoolers Need?

According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, children aged 3 to 5 years should consume approximately 1.2 litres of fluids daily. This intake varies based on factors such as physical activity, body size, and environmental temperature. During warmer months or periods of intense physical play, children may require additional water to stay adequately hydrated.

Encouraging Hydration in Early Childhood Settings

Fostering good hydration habits in early childhood settings, such as preschools and childcare centres, helps instil lifelong healthy habits. Here are some strategies to encourage children to drink more water:

• Make water easily accessible: Ensure that each child has their own water bottle and encourage them to sip regularly.

• Limit sugary drinks: Avoid providing sweetened drinks like cordials and juices, replacing them gradually with water.

• Make hydration fun: Serve water in colourful, decorated jugs or add natural flavours like lemon slices, orange wedges, or mint leaves.

• Be a role model: Show children that drinking water is enjoyable by regularly drinking it yourself.

• Introduce rewards: Implement fun incentives such as a high-five, hug, or tickle when a child finishes their water bottle. This simple act creates excitement around hydration and encourages children to drink more.

• Engage children in learning: Use visual reminders, such as posters or a ‘Munch & Move’ wall, with fun water facts to reinforce the message about hydration.

Hydration and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

The importance of water intake directly connects to several EYLF outcomes, particularly in fostering children's health and well-being. Under Outcome 3: Children Have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing, children learn to:

• (3.1.12) Appreciate the feelings and needs of others, including recognizing the importance of hydration.

• (3.1.4) Communicate their physical and emotional needs, such as expressing thirst.

By creating an environment where hydration is encouraged and celebrated, educators can support children’s ability to listen to their bodies and respond to their needs.

The State of Hydration in Australian Children

Statistics show that many Australian children do not consume adequate water daily. According to research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), a significant percentage of children consume sugary drinks regularly, with water intake falling short of recommended levels. Encouraging water consumption from an early age can help reduce reliance on sweetened beverages and prevent issues like obesity and poor dental health.

A Fun Approach to Hydration: What We Do at Preschool

One successful method we use to encourage children to drink more water is the ‘hug, high-five, or tickle’ reward system. Each time a child finishes their drink bottle, they get to choose a small, fun reward. This playful approach excites children about drinking water and ensures they stay hydrated throughout the day.

To further enhance our hydration efforts, next week, we will introduce fruit-flavoured ice cubes to make drinking water even more enjoyable. This simple yet effective strategy will add a sensory element to hydration, making it a fun and refreshing experience.

Conclusion

Water plays a fundamental role in the health and development of young children, and ensuring adequate hydration should be a key focus in early childhood education. By incorporating fun, engaging strategies and aligning with the EYLF, educators can instill positive hydration habits that benefit children’s well-being and learning. With simple changes and creative encouragement, we can help children develop a lifelong appreciation for the importance of drinking water.