5 Simple Ways to Help Kids Choose Water Daily

#1 Make water the easy choice

Kids tend to reach for what's right in front of them. That's why it's important to make water visible, accessible and a routine part of day-to-day activities.

Keep a jug of cold water on the table during meals, pop refillable bottles in school bags and car cup holders, and leave a glass out on the kitchen bench.

When water is the easiest option, it naturally becomes the first choice.

#2 Show, don't just tell

Children pay more attention to what you do than what you say. If you choose water regularly at meals, during sports or on hot days, they'll learn it's a regular and enjoyable part of life.

Talk casually about how water helps you feel more alert or energised, and sip alongside them to make hydration a shared activity. You can even make it a family challenge: "Let's all try to drink five glasses today!"

When healthy habits are modelled and reinforced at home, they're more likely to stick.

#3 Add fun to hydration

Water doesn't need to be plain or boring. You can make it more appealing by adding a splash of creativity.

Let your child choose their own special cup or water bottle in a favourite colour or with their favourite character on it. Add sliced fruit or herbs, such as lemon or mint to the jug for a touch of flair and flavour. It's like a homemade "fancy drink."

Reusable straws or novelty ice cubes can make drinking water feel like a treat. You could even set up a sticker chart where your child earns a reward for meeting daily water consumption as part of their family health goals.

These small touches create lasting positive associations.

#4 Teach through play

Kids are naturally curious and love to understand the "why" behind things that are as simple as drinking water. Make learning about hydration a fun and engaging experience.

You might play a "sugar detective" game at the supermarket, spotting which drinks have the most sugar. Or read picture books and watch videos together that explain how water helps our brains, teeth, and muscles work properly.

Keep it light and fun, not a lecture.

When children understand the benefits, they feel empowered to make their own smart choices.

#5 Swap sugary drinks with healthier alternatives

You don't have to ban sweet drinks altogether. You can replace them with healthier options, which can help build good habits for life.

Instead of juice, offer chilled water with slices of orange or cucumber for natural flavour. You can also swap soft drinks for sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice, or try herbal or fruit tea served cold for a refreshing alternative (tea can be steeped cold, so simply add a couple of tea bags to the water jug you keep in the fridge).

The trick is to keep healthier options on hand and limit the frequency of sugary drinks in the house so it becomes easier to choose water as a default.