Encourage Drinking Water Throughout the Day

Water: the elixir of life, the thing your kid will suddenly refuse because 'it’s too wet.' If you’ve ever resorted to bribing a tiny human to take 'just one sip' or found yourself Googling 'is apple juice basically water?' at 2 p.m., this is for you. Let’s make hydration less of a daily hostage negotiation and more of a sneaky parenting win (with fewer sticky cups abandoned in random corners).

Hydration is like magic brain juice—keeps those tiny neurons firing, moods less volcanic, and tantrums (sometimes) at bay. For parents, it means less guilt about ‘juice again?’ and more peace of mind that you’re literally keeping the wheels turning (and the diapers, ahem, flowing).

How to do it

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Make water appealing for your child. Let them choose a special cup or straw—bonus points if it has sparkles or dinosaurs!
  2. Keep water visible and accessible. Place it on the table, in the stroller, or next to their LEGO creations.
  3. Offer small sips of water throughout the day, not just at mealtimes.
  4. Model good hydration habits yourself—show your child that you drink water too.
  5. Avoid turning water drinking into a battle. If needed, add a splash of fruit or turn it into a fun, silly contest.

Key tips:

  • Let your child pick their own cup or straw to make drinking water more exciting.
  • Keep water within easy reach at all times.
  • Encourage frequent, small sips rather than waiting for thirst.
  • Set a positive example by drinking water yourself.
  • Use playful strategies, like adding fruit or making a game out of drinking, to keep things light and fun.

Every time you sit down for a snack or meal.

Offer your child their water bottle and take a sip together.
Give a dramatic 'cheers!' or do a silly water-drinking dance.
Let your child pick out a fun, reusable water bottle or cup they love.

Whenever you notice your own mouth is dry (or you reach for your coffee).

Hand your child their water bottle and say, 'Let’s both take a sip!'
High-five or make a goofy 'ahhh!' sound together.
Fill several water bottles and leave them in your main living spaces.

When your child asks for juice or a snack.

Add a piece of fruit to their water and offer it as a 'fancy drink.'
Announce, 'You have the fanciest water in the house!' with a flourish.
Slice up some fruit (like lemon or berries) and keep it in a container in the fridge.