Children are not get enough Water During the Winter Months.

54.5% of students were found to take below the minimum daily water intake by a study carried out by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Erica Kenny, a lead researcher in this study was surprized that almost one in four kids drank no water during the course of the day. Boys were 76% more likely to be dehydrated than girls. Not drinking enough water could result in cognitive impairment, headaches and even nausea. Symptoms of not getting enough water include fussiness, infrequent urination, dry mouth, and no tears when crying.

Children aged 1 to 3 years old need roughly four cups of water every day. Children 4 to 8 need five cups, Boys 9 to 13 need eight cups. For girls 9 to 13 seven cups is recommended. Some of the water requirement can be found in foods and beverages. Stay clear of sugar drinks. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided since they are mildly diuretic which increases urination and could make the dehydration worse.

Schools need to provide access to clean drinking water, not only during lunch time. Allowing children to bring bottled water in the class room maybe a partial solution to the problem. Parents at home can set a good example by drinking water themselves and making water available so that a child does not have to ask for water.