General guidelines: ages 4-8 need about 5 cups (1.2 liters), ages 9-13 need 7-8 cups (1.6-1.9 liters), and teens need 8-11 cups (1.9-2.6 liters) daily. Active children and those in warm climates need more. These amounts include water from all sources including food.

Make water appealing with fruit infusions, fun water bottles, or ice cubes in fun shapes. Set a routine — offer water at meals and snacks. Lead by example by drinking water yourself. Avoid restricting water as punishment and keep a water bottle accessible throughout the day.

While rare, overhydration can occur in children, particularly infants. For school-age children, excessive water consumption that leads to frequent bathroom trips may indicate an underlying medical condition worth discussing with a pediatrician. Normal thirst-guided drinking is safe.