Hydration - how to get kids to drink more water

Staying hydrated is essential to good health and should be encouraged at school and at home. 6-8 glasses a day is a good goal for most children.

To boost the appeal of water without adding sugary cordial or additional calories try the following Cooking Good tips:

• Make fancy ice cubes - find fun ice cube trays for star wars fans, lego lovers and funky star or love hearts. Good old rectangular ice cubes can be made more interesting by adding berries, fresh mint, a lemon slice etc for a hint of flavour and burst of colour.

• Fruit garnish - Drop sliced fruits, cucumber, mint or berries directly into your water jug or try the water infuser bottles.

• Look out for fun re-useable water bottles that measure their intake.

• Do a family water challenge - be a good role model and don't buy sugary drinks for at home. Always have water only with meals.

• Have the toilet chat - kids love toilet humour! Explain that dark urine is a sign they need to drink more water and lighter urine is a sign there are better hydrated.