Let's Teach Our Children to Drink
How to teach children to drink
The fact that children should drink and drink healthily is well-known to all parents. On one hand we are troubled by reflections on what and how much to drink and on the other the simple fact that those little rascals of ours leave a cup with tea untouched on the table at breakfast time, we don't see them drink during the day and if, then only a sweet juice and in the evening they can't fight fatigue. But they won't drink - maybe a mug of cocoa at most.
Such drinking regime is not exactly perfect. But it's us - parents, who should from the very spring of their lives instill that drinking is a part of our lives such as washing hands or brushing teeth. It's easily said, but how to do it?
We offer you some good advice.
1. Start from yourself!
The way we behave is an example for our children. Children learn by imitating. If you drink regularly throughout the day, make sure your child sees you. Of course you need to be drinking the right liquids such as water, tea, or diluted fruit squash. On top of being a good example, you will do something good for yourself as well.
2. Always have a drink handy
It's important to have a bottle with water or a cup of tea at hand and offer it whenever possible, by playing, before leaving for a walk (or while on a stroll), by watching fairytales, by doing sports or before going to bed.
3. Make a game out of drinking
Every child has their favourite fairytales, characters or teddy bears. Use them to motivate your child. Make water part of your conversations and fairytales: Little Red Riding-Hood was on her way to her nana, she took a sip of water and then left. Dolls and teddies need water too. And by watering flowers in your house, don't forget about the thirst of "the little gardeners".
4. Don't command and forbid
Say no to lecturing, commanding and forbidding such as "Drink it or you won't go and play! If you don't drink, you can't watch your fairytale! Who doesn't drink will end up in hospital!" These are no good for children and drinking. Inappropriate commands and forbidding can evoke negative response and rejection of drinking and at the same time encode bad habits - the child will drink a lot at once to do away with your bad moods. And that's not right either.
5. The child is not stupid, just little
Even though you feel like your child can not perceive everything you tell them, it's right the opposite. A child understands a lot more information than they are able to express themselves. That's why you need to permanently and patiently explain why it's important to drink water, tea, or diluted juices. We do believe you know why.
And drink with your child...