5 y.o. won't drink water

[Raene]

No, it's not that we've ever given her alternatives to water...it's just that she doesn't drink. She drinks maybe 1/2 glass a day. I don't know what to do b/c making a big deal out of it doesn't work. Neither does telling her the risks involved "ouchy pees", threats of hospital IVs, etc.

And...she eats A TON. She eats more than we do. And I'm pretty sure it's b/c she's dehydrated but confused and thinks she's hungry.

Anyone else go through this and have tips?

[4evermom]

My ds didn't like the taste of tap water. Do you filter yours? My ds would have thought the brita filter was neat when he was younger. Now he helps fill it. How about crushed ice or ice cubes as a novelty? Or crazy straws? Tea party?

Could it be she eats a lot of wet foods and gets more liquid that you realize?

[Raene]

Yeah, we definitely filter ours.

Ice entertains her, but then she just wants to pick it out and eat it, not drink the water.

She *does* eat lots of fresh fruits/veggies (raw) so she gets water that way for sure. She's never been dehydrated, judging by the pull-up-the-skin test, but who knows for sure.

[chaoticzenmom]

You know those syrups that are in the coffee isle? The rasberry one works for my kids. Just a teaspoon in a glass of filtered water works wonders. You can get them cheapest at Costco. If you don't have access, some grenadine works well, but keep it very light.

You could also make some light herbal tea (maybe white tea) and crush some fruit in it....or maybe even water with some fruit. Water with a sprig of lavender is nice too, just a hint of fresh flavor.

[potatofairy]

sometimes i put a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in my water to get myself to drink more. maybe that would work?

[mumkimum]

DD loves cold herb teas - chamomile and mint mostly.

Cucumber & orange slices in water is delicous, and kid-friendly taste wise.

Keeping a cold, small water bottle that's hers in the fridge (or not if she prefers) for daily drinking water might encourage drinking more, or keeping a small pitcher and cup out so she can refill her cup as she likes.

[mommathea]

I'm in the camp that as long as it isn't loaded with sugar, and doesn't have caffeen in it then it is a good substitue for water. Water is needed, but if she will eat ice(be careful because of hurting the teeth) then she is getting at least some. Also I agree with the others with flavering the water. Sometimes I'll put a drop or 2 of 100% fruit juice in a glass of water for a change of pace

[es1967]

I do the juice thing too. You really need very little to flavor the water nicely.
Especially if its something like grape jucie.