Besides a high-energy diet and plenty of water, sporty children need extra protection from the sun and regular downtime in order to stay in tip-top health, say our experts.
Make sure they are adequately hydrated
It’s important for your children to be well hydrated, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun.
Dehydration is common among kids because most children don’t recognize the early signs of thirst and don’t drink enough water, to begin with, says Pooja Vig, a certified functional medicine nutritionist at The Nutrition Clinic.
Even slight dehydration can make them irritable, prone to fatigue, headaches, and dry skin, as well as poor concentration and mental performance.
“Water is essential for most physiological processes and also to rid the body of waste,” says Pooja.
“Remind your kids to sip on water regularly throughout the day, more often if they’re outdoors in the sun.
“Kids aged four to eight years need 1 to 1.5 liters a day; those aged nine to 13-year-olds, between 1.5 and 1.7 liters; and kids 13 and older, about two liters.”
Bonnie Rogers, a functional medicine certified health coach at The Nutrition Clinic says that if your children turn their noses up at plain water, add berries, pineapple chunks or kiwi slices to make it more palatable.
Alternatively, give them coconut water, served as is or diluted with water to reduce the sugar content.
“Limit your kids’ intake of juices and sports or energy drinks, otherwise they’ll get used to the taste,” Bonnie adds.
Some of these are packed with sugar – up to 10 teaspoons per serving – despite having labels like “healthy”, “packed with vitamins and minerals” and “contains only natural sugars”.
Feed them well so that they perform well
Physically active children need foods that not only give them energy but also keep them feeling full for longer.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.
