TIP of the WEEK: Making Water Fun to Drink

Many of our kids don’t like to drink plain water but as parents and caretakers we know how important hydration is for overall health. Here are some ways to make hydrating more interesting without the use of artificial sweeteners:

1. Add fruit. One or two slices of fruit at the bottom of the glass add flavor and color. Make it a rule that they can’t eat the fruit until they finish the water.

2. Ice cubes. Freeze mint or cucumbers in your ice cubes for an interesting variation on a plain glass of water.

3. Broth. During the colder months serve a bowl of half water half vegetable broth with some diced carrots for a snack that also hydrates.

4. Seltzer. Many stores sell small carbonation machines that can turn regular water into seltzer water without having to pay the store price for seltzer.

5. Infusion. Put berries in a pitcher of water overnight and the next day you will have a delicious beverage that your kids will love.

6. Tea. Herbal tea soaked in water for as little as an hour will make a great beverage hot or cold without any calories or caffeine.

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.