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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to start giving my DC squash even though they're happy with just water?

233 replies

Clemmythyme · 12/02/2017 23:15

I have two DDs aged 4 and 2. Both happily drink water and don't ask for anything different to drink. DD4 has tried squash at GPs and parties and likes it but has never asked for it at home. DD2 hasn't tried it but obviously would probably like it as it's sweeter than water.

I'm thinking of beginning to buy and offer squash because I'm concerned they're not drinking enough. Neither drank anything with breakfast today, they had probably a quarter of a small cup of water with lunch, half a small cup after swimming and hardly anything with dinner. AIBU to think this isn't enough and to introduce squash to try and encourage them to drink more?

OP posts:
DJBaggySmalls · 12/02/2017 23:16

They are not dehydrated; dont start them on squash.

allowlsthinkalot · 12/02/2017 23:20

They won't dehydrate themselves and if you do they will start rejecting the water.

bramblina · 12/02/2017 23:20

I agree with DJ. You would know if they were dehydrated. Try to encourage more fruit before squash. Or fresh fruit juice or smoothies or frozen fruit juice lollies etc.

Squeegle · 12/02/2017 23:24

Why do you think they're not drinking enough?

SaucyJack · 12/02/2017 23:24

How can you possibly know if the kid of a random total stranger is dehydrated or not?

OP- just do it if you want to. It's perfectly normal behaviour. You don't need the collective permission of MN Smile

CointreauVersial · 12/02/2017 23:25

Why would you introduce sugary rubbish into their diet if you don't need to?

Only1scoop · 12/02/2017 23:27

Stick with water

ShaniaTwang · 12/02/2017 23:27

Exactly what Cointreau says...

Original poster
Clemmythyme · 12/02/2017 23:27

They do both eat their five a day. Less than one child's cup of water a day doesn't seem enough to me. Obviously 2 and 4 year olds can be irritable - maybe part of this could be dehydration and drinking more may make them feel better?

OP posts:
GarrulousGrimoire · 12/02/2017 23:29

Mine have squash and are still shit at drinking a lot.

Original poster
Clemmythyme · 12/02/2017 23:29

That's why I'm asking if I need to,Contreau. The recommended amount for 5 year olds is 5 glasses. They are way off that.

OP posts:
raviolidreaming · 12/02/2017 23:30

Or fresh fruit juice or smoothies

Would (no added sugar) squash not be better than fresh juice or smoothies, with regards sugar content?

Only1scoop · 12/02/2017 23:30

Went through similar when dd was that age. Just keep topping up water, dd liked a crazy Straw, made drinking more fun.

CaptainMorgansMistress · 12/02/2017 23:31

Can you not just ask the 4 year old at least to have '2 more big swigs of water before you get down' or whatever?

Eminado · 12/02/2017 23:33

Try a funky straw /special bottle first. Once they have juice there is no going back.

Ineededtonamechange · 12/02/2017 23:33

Could you start by chopping an orange and having a slice in a bottle of water?

Doesn't seem enough to me, but there are several steps I'd go down before moving to squash. Very diluted fresh juice etc.

Once they are drinking more, if you have been subtle enough you can move back to water. I've done this and it worked successfully.

TigerBreadAddict · 12/02/2017 23:35

Did they have lots of 'wet food'? Fruit, yoghurt, cereal with milk, soup etc?
Squash is the last thing they need. If you want them to drink more, go for more water!
FWIW a water dispenser on the front of my fridge Best.Thing.Ever. as far as mine are concerned . Faffing with it is a real motivator! And chilled water tastes much nicer.

Original poster
Clemmythyme · 12/02/2017 23:36

I've tried different cups but the novelty soon wears off. They just blow bubbles with straws and drink even less!

OP posts:
Original poster
Clemmythyme · 12/02/2017 23:37

No, no wet food at all really. I bought a water dispenser but again the novelty didn't last.

OP posts:
BertrandRussell · 12/02/2017 23:38

Are they peeing regularly and is their pee pale? If so they're drinking enough.

Newbluetattoo · 12/02/2017 23:39

I really wish I'd never started my dd on squash - now she still doesn't drink enough, would barely entertain drinking a glass of water, and what she does drink (squash) is full of sweeteners and chemicals...epic parenting fail.....

DoublyTroubly · 12/02/2017 23:41

Have you tried giving them some water while they are distracted watching telly or something. I find mine just tend to drink it down without thinking

Also, do they still have milk? Obviously that helps to keep them hydrated too

I personally have recently started giving mine a kids smoothie each afternoon too, which they view as a treat!

NuffSaidSam · 12/02/2017 23:44

YABU and silly.

If they like water, give them water.

But more frequently and encourage them to drink more.

They're probably drinking enough though. Generally, children can self regulate how much food and water they need.

kel1234 · 12/02/2017 23:44

Personally I wouldn't if they are happy with water.

Enidblyton1 · 12/02/2017 23:45

No! Don't give them squash if they're happy with water.
As pp said, if their pee is pale they are not dehydrated.

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