- Hydration is important, but it doesn’t need to be rigidly measured for children.
- The body naturally regulates fluid balance through thirst and kidney function.
- Parents’ role: provide access to water, offer gentle prompts (especially before sports, outdoor play, or hot weather), and encourage a variety of fluids for hydration.
- Avoid making hydration into a power struggle—pushing numbers and strict rules can lead to resistance.
- Children should be trusted to listen to their bodies, while parents support healthy habits without overemphasizing water consumption.
- Modern culture may over-focus on always having a water bottle, but hydration can remain balanced and natural.
How to Help Your Child Stay Hydrated
Kids need to stay hydrated, but it’s best to guide them gently instead of setting strict rules.

Amer Al-Nimr, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterology