40% of Parents Stress Out Over Keeping Their Child Hydrated, Survey Finds

More than four in 10 parents in the United States said they often find themselves stressing over ensuring their child is drinking enough water.

That is according to a recent survey of 2,000 parents of children between the ages of 5 to 12, as first reported by the New York Post. The results of the poll revealed that 43% of parents feel stressed over their child's hydration. However, that varies depending on the region.

Parents in the western regions were the most concerned, with 48% saying they feel stressed about making sure their children stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. Parents in the Midwest followed, with 47% saying they feel stressed over their child's hydration, and then the Southwest with 44% and the Southeast with 39%. Parents living in the Northeast were the least concerned, with only 38% saying they felt stressed about ensuring their kids stay hydrated in the summer months.

Parents Concerned About How To Keep Their Children Hydrated

In an attempt to keep their children hydrated, 56% of parents said they provide their kids with water whenever possible; at least 53% said they drink water with their children, and 43% said they are making efforts to set an example of good, regular drinking habits.

In addition, the survey also revealed that 39% of parents are using water enhancers or flavors to encourage their kids to increase their intake. Lastly, 9% said they are using goals and prizes to encourage their children to drink more water.

How Many Cups of Water Should Kids Drink a Day?

The recommended daily intake of water varies depending on the child's age. For children ages four to eight, experts recommend drinking at least five cups a day. This increased to six cups for children ages nine to 13, and eight cups for those ages 14 to 18. Having said that, children would need more water when they are exercising or live in hot climates.

Per the survey, children in the Northeast were the most hydrated, with the average kid drinking 4.8 glasses of water. Comparatively, children in the Midwest, Southwest, and the West drank an average of 4.6 glasses of water. Children living in the Southeast drank the least water, with only an average of 4.4 glasses per day.

The survey was commissioned by True Citrus and conducted by Talker Research.