
Children & hydration
Children are at a greater risk of dehydration than adults. This is because in relation to their size, children have a larger proportion of their skin available to lose sweat and be exposed to heat. Additionally, children don’t always recognize that they’re thirsty, and if they’re not encouraged and reminded may forget to drink. Luckily, there are a few ways to tell if your child is hydrated.
How do I know if my child is hydrated?
Frequent bathroom breaks or wet nappies are the easiest way to tell if your child is hydrated. You can also look out for these common symptoms of dehydration:
Headaches
Poor concentration
Thirst
Cracked lips
Dry mouth
Constipation
Lethargy
Dark urine
How much water does my child need?
The amount your child needs will vary depending on their age, size and level of activity. For children under 8 years of age, at least 4-6 glasses of water is recommended. For children older than 8 years of age a minimum of 6-8 glasses is recommended.
If your child is playing sports or is very active they will need extra fluid, see our section on hydration for active kids. Kids will also need more fluid on hot days or when unwell.
Tips to help your kids stay hydrated!
Pack a water bottle for school and when you go out. Try a frozen water bottle in summer.
Encourage your child to drink water before, after and during physical activity
Always offer water with meals and snacks
Encourage your child to drink water, even if they don’t like it!
Tips for kids who don’t like water
Try adding slices of fruits such as lemon or orange to water, for variety and flavour.
Let your kids choose their own drink bottle or serve water in colourful glasses or jugs.
Be a role model! Make a point of drinking water with your kids.
Experiment with temperature; try having a jug of water in the fridge, adding ice-cubes, or even warm water in winter.
Water is the best choice to keep your kids hydrated throughout the day. Water contains no extra energy and can quench your thirst. Other fluids such as milk, juice and sweetened drinks can also contribute to your child’s fluid intake. For more information on drink choices for your kids, check out the Drinks section of our website.
almost 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
The LDE lunch menu for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week will be swapped. Tuesday we will have popcorn chicken or a hot dog. Wednesday will be a chicken sandwich or Nachos.
almost 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
Mrs. Melissa Ward's Kindergarten class at LDE had a great first day earlier this week!
almost 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
The Little Cats Cheer Campers are invited to cheer with the MHS Cheerleaders at the Red and Black Scrimmage this Friday night. Admission is powdered detergent or Gatorade. Be there by 5:45 to warm up. GO BEARCATS!
almost 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
Looks like Mrs. Robin Castors new crew at Louise Durham is in for fun times this school year!
almost 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
Mrs. Tiffany Williams worked hard this summer to get the Louise Durham Elementary Library ready fpr the first day of school & the students noticed!
almost 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
Amazing 1st Morning at Louise Durham Elementary! Here we go LD Heroes!
almost 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
Louise Durham & Holly Harshman breakfast & lunch menus for August!
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
It’s now a law in Arkansas!
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
The Mena Middle School & Mena High School faculty underwent a safety training & safety drill
this morning. Louise Durham & Holly Harshman faculty will receive the same training on Thursday... At Mena Public Schools our students safety is of the utmost importance & we work everyday to improve the safety of our campuses....
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
It's up to all of us!
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
The new school year is just around the corner & the Mena Public Schools campuses were all buzzing with activity this morning... The first day of school is August 14th!!!
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
There will be a few changes in the cafeteria this year that you need to be aware of...
At LDE & HHE they will be implementing the new FUEL program... A new specialty item will be introduced once per month & if the kids respond well it will be added to the future menu...
At MMS they will be adding a second chance breakfast between 1st & 2nd period.. The second chance breakfast was a big hit at the high school last year...
At MHS the grill line & the pizza line will be switching locations in the cafeteria...
At MHS & MMS there will be new choices in addition to the traditional menu...
MONDAY will be a rotating made to order line...
TUESDAY & THURSDAY there will be a made to order tortilla line....
WEDNESDAY there will be made to order boneless wings
FRIDAY will be a made to order potato bar
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson
TODAY!
about 7 years ago, Mark Hobson