Ok moms, let’s face it, kids are always on the go, especially in the summer. Sometimes it can be difficult to get them to stop every now and then to take a sip of something cool. Small children can get dehydrated pretty quickly on those hot summer days, and it’s not always easy to get them to drink their water. I just want to give you five tips and tricks to keep your kids hydrated and ready for all those fun summer activities. And by the way, these aren’t just for the kids, moms need to take care of themselves, too! 

Tip # 1: Either mostly or completely cut out soda from your child’s diet. There is no nutritional value in it, and all it does is dehydrate their body even more than it already is. If your child is going to miss the soda, try giving them water with some fruit slices that will naturally add some flavor and sweetness.

Tip #2: Provide your children with snacks that will not only fill them up, but hydrate them. For example, cucumbers are almost completely made up of water, which makes them a light, refreshing snack. Other good choices are watermelon, citrus fruits, grape tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers. If your child gets turned off by the veggies, try cutting them into fun shapes or providing a healthy dip like yogurt or hummus, which also gives them a protein punch.

Tip #3: This one helps when you have kids who are too “busy” playing to stop to munch a snack, is to make it fun. My daughter almost always comes running when I make fruit caterpillars for her. All you need are toothpicks and fruit (just be careful if you give these to small children). Kids can even help make these, which can be a fun learning activity as well. Your child can make patterns with the fruit alternating grapes, blueberries, strawberries, or kiwi pieces. You can also make veggie caterpillars, which when you add some small pieces of cheese, adds some protein as well. The munching possibilities are endless!

Tip #4: Here’s a simple one, if you know you’re heading outside to be in the sun, try to get your kids to drink some extra liquids before you leave, so you won’t have to worry quite as much once you get to your sunny destination.

Tip #5: When your kids have their hydrating snacks and drinks, make sure you join them! It’s just as important that mommies take care of themselves as well. You set the example for your kids, so if they see you taking care of yourself, chances are they’ll follow!

By guest blogger Marina Hentz, http://betterinbulk.net/2010/06/lollis-guide-to-savvy-parenting.html

I’ve been a mother now for over 13 years. If you count the time that I was pregnant with KitKat, my darling teenager, then we could just round up to 14. Fourteen years. Motherhood is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week job. If I’ve done my math correctly, I’ve clocked approximately 122,640 hours of parenting. No wonder I’m tired.

During those 122,640 hours, I’ve learned a thing or two about raising well adjusted, independent, happy kids. I’m far from perfect. Most days, I I don’t even know if I could consider myself “good” at this. Let’s just say that it’s easier to have brilliant ideas than to put them all into practice.

   1. Read together regularly, even when they get “big.”
   2. Teach your kids how to cook basic meals and treats as soon as they start school. Cooking is great practice for math, science, and reading.
   3. Learn how to cut kids’ hair (and then start taking them in to the salon once they hit middle school)
   4. Cut loose and act silly around your kids. They’ll respect you all the more for it (although they will most certainly give you funny looks in the mean time)

   5. Volunteer in their classrooms whenever possible. Chaperone field trips.
   6. Talk to other parents with kids your family’s age. You will be shocked (and comforted) to find that other people are dealing with the same issues.
   7. Bribery is perfectly fine.
   8. So is time out. There must be consequences.
   9. There are certain things that are not negotiable–like wearing seat belts or using the big scissors. Be clear on those non-negotiables and don’t make exceptions. In other words, be consistent.
  10. Tell your kids you love them and have some kind of physical contact everyday.

What have you learned in your years as a parent?

As I was making this “serious” list, I was totally imagining the things that would make it on to my “don’t do this” list. What would YOU add to that one?

Evenflo just launched a witty & humorous video series called the “SavvyParents Guide” on the Juice Bo

Reposted from BetterInBulk