My seven-year-old daughter drinks very little water, although she plays outdoors for two-three hours every day. How can I inculcate the practice of drinking water through the day in her?
— Lavanya Krishna, Chennai

Encouraging your daughter to develop the habit of drinking water at regular intervals is crucial for her overall health and well-being. She needs gentle guidance and positive reinforcement to establish this routine.

Start by setting a positive example. Children often emulate parental behaviour, so ensure that you drink water through the day. Keep a water bottle handy and let her see you refilling it regularly. Invest in an attractive water bottle. Make it personal for her by pasting stickers on it. Set reminders for water breaks. You can use alarms or smartphone apps with child-friendly notifications. Create a schedule that includes designated times for water consumption, such as after waking up, before meals, and after physical exercise. Educate your child about the importance of adequate hydration for good health through age-appropriate books and videos.

You could also make drinking water more appealing to your daughter by infusing it with natural flavours. Add slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries to her drinking water. Moreover, it helps to implement a reward system for increased water consumption. Offer a small treat or praise when she meets her daily water intake goal. Remember to be patient rather than forceful.

My 12-year-old daughter has very dry skin. A friend suggested changes in her diet to overcome this problem. Please confirm.
—Shonali Bannerjee, Delhi
Yes. Childen’s dry skin condition in children can often be improved through dietary changes and increased hydration. Here are some guidelines.

Increase water intake. Adequate hydration is critical for maintaining skin moisture. Encourage your daughter to drink water throughout the day. Set a good example by doing so yourself.

Healthy fats. Include foods rich in healthy fats in her diet. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish such as salmon keep the skin supple and moisturized.

Antioxidant-rich foods. Incorporate fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants in her diet. Berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants and protect skin from damage.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3-rich foods such as flaxseeds and chia seeds also boost skin health. Alternatively, consult a healthcare professional to prescribe an omega-3 dietary supplement.

Limit sugar and processed foods. Excessive consumption of sugar and processed foods leads to skin dryness. Reduce intake of sugary snacks and processed foods.

Whole grain. Choose whole grains over refined. Foods such as oats and brown rice contain nutrients which elevate skin hydration.
Vitamin E. Include foods rich in vitamin E, such as almonds and sunflower seeds, in her diet. Vitamin E is well-known for its skin benefits.

If the dry skin condition persists, meet a dermatologist who will make specific skincare recommendations.

(Dr. Mamata Panda is senior consultant, paediatrics, CARE Hospitals, Bhubaneswar)

Also read: Encourage children to drink more water