I wrote this on my food blog last year (hat tip to Linda Carlton), but I think the advice is timeless and wise!  We would all do well to follow it!  This advice is just as good for your kids as it is for you!

You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. (duh, I bet you knew that)

The fact is:
--The body is 80% water
--We need to drink at least half our body weight in ounces of water
--Water removes harmful toxins from the body
--Dehydration slows down the body's metabolism
--Lack of water causes daytime fatigue
--Water plays a vital role in almost every bodily function

A mere two percent drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory trouble with basic math problems and difficulty focusing.

Water regulates the temperature of the human body, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes wastes.

Water Stats:
75% of the U.S. population chronically dehydrated
37% of the U.S. population mistake thirst for hunger
98% of dieters use water to deter hunger pangs

The kids read a book a while back that discussed heat and how the body sweats to release heat. You may be amazed by this, but the average person sweats out a quart of water a day! You need to drink a half a gallon of water every day to replace fluids you loose and provide ample water for all your bodily functions (This article by the Mayo Clinic is really a good link to read for more information). I also wanted to add that I have heard of a neat way to remember how much water to drink each day. You can either mark a gallon jug and keep pouring out of it all day (boring) , or you can get a 16 oz. glass and put 4 rubber bands around the glass. Each time you drink it down, take one rubber band off. The object is to fill the cup four times, and have NO rubber bands on it by bedtime! Of course, if you are like me, you should try and drink most of it before dinner.... or you'll be up all night running to the restroom which will keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Drink to Your Health!