Water for Kids - By Sue Jurjevic

Being an avid water drinker and understanding the benefits of it are easy. When trying to explain to children that they need to drink water, its a little harder. There are so many other choices out there today- sodas,  juice, sport’s drinks. Those drinks can be some tough competition. I attended a training called “Brain Gym” and it taught us that in order for our brains to work properly, the first thing we had to do was drink water.

Up to 60% of the human body is water, the brain is composed of 70% water, and the lungs are nearly 90% water. Lean muscle tissue contains about 75% water by weight, as is the brain; body fat contains 10% water and bone has 22% water. And about 83% of our blood is water, which helps digest our food, transport waste, and control body temperature.

They shared with us to have the children drink water prior to their learning and/or studying time. Considering that children are learning in some aspect all day long, that is even more reason for them to drink water. A lot of people think that if it is hot outside or if they are doing sports that water is needed. Water is important throughout the WHOLE day.

Not drinking water is like a car running with no oil in it. An experiment to try with your children is to plant seeds in 3 pots. Do not put water in one pot of seeds, water the second one only a little, and add the directed amount of water in the third. Have your child record the progress and see which one grows. Doing this experience is a great way for children to learn the benefits of growth in their bodies and brains from drinking water.

The children saw me drink water everyday and as I taught them why I love water so much (good for my mind and body). I told them, as I learned in my Brain Gym class, that it was called “Brain Juice”. When mom and dad ask you what you want to drink, tell them you want “Brain Juice”; when they ask “What??” (and they will!)  you can teach mom and dad what you learned about water and how important it is for you.

This is one of many reasons I love my job and working with children. Their minds are open to learning so much, and when you get them to interact with the lesson you are teaching, it helps them learn hands on. And nothing is more rewarding than coming home and telling mom and dad what you learned today and how you are Shaping the Future!

Enjoy your summer, stay cool and enjoy lots of “Brain Juice”

Sue

Sue Jurjevic is a Recreation Specialist for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department. She can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at s.jurjevic@manassasparkva.gov

Source: ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest. To read the full blog visit: http://manassasparkcommunitycenter.wordpress.com/