Stay Hydrated During Summer Sports

With the summer heat in full gear, keeping children active is a key part of supporting their growth — and maintaining your sanity as a parent! Whether your child plays soccer, baseball, or another sport, you might need help keeping her hydration levels up. With these ideas from schools in Orlando, it’s easy to keep your little one hydrated and ready to go.The Classic: WaterWater, the old standby, is one of the best options for summer hydration. Drinking water throughout the day can stave off dehydration, and it’s much easier than chugging down a 20-ounce bottle during a five-minute break in a soccer game. In fact, when it comes to sports, proper hydration starts 24 hours beforehand! Serve water at meals and with snacks. Per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, children should aim for six to eight glasses of water per day. This number is even higher when they’re active, so opt for more water when your child is busy with sports!Sports BeveragesLong periods of exercise can drain little bodies of electrolytes. When that happens, water might not be enough. Sports drinks have electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, so consider letting your child pick her favorite flavor and stocking up, especially if you struggle to get her to drink enough water during the day.If you cringe at the sugar content of sports beverages, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are homemade alternatives! You can make your own sports drink with water, orange juice, lemon juice, Himalayan sea salt, and a little bit of sugar or honey for sweetness.Fruit and PopsiclesMuch of your daily water intake comes from the food you eat. When you’re planning meals, take a few minutes to make sure that you include foods with high water content at each meal. This includes lots of fruit and vegetables, and you can choose delicious options such as watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, and strawberries.Popsicles are also a great alternative for children who are always on the go! While they don’t pack the same nutritional punch as fresh fruit and vegetables, they’re an excellent way to make sure your little one stays cool and drinks enough water.Since children don’t sweat as much as adults, it can be tough for them to regulate their body temperature. Protect your child from dehydration with these easy-to-use tips and make this a season to remember!Our blog page has helpful hints for parents to encourage their children to excel academically, spiritually, and socially. To learn more about schools in Orlando, contact us at 407-246-4800.