As much of our country suffers under astounding heat waves, it's more important than ever to ensure your kids are properly hydrated. Dehydration can come quick and it can be fatal under some circumstances. And kids (along with the elderly) are most at risk. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, lethargy, muscle cramps and irritableness. More severe cases may lead to shock and require medical attention.

1. We're usually dehydrated before we feel thirsty. So it's important to make hydration a routine with your kids, not only based on how they feel. On really hot days, set a timer for an hour and make sure everyone gets an hourly drink. Also, find other ways to incorporate drink breaks into your usual routine and take on the job of reminding your kids to drink. They won't drink enough instinctively so don't wait for the thirst signal to stay hydrated.
One way to keep track if you're drinking enough is to monitor your pee. If your pee is dark yellow and you're not peeing that much, you're probably not getting in enough liquid. Fascinated with all things potty-related, little kids can really get into giving a pee report and looking at it with you. Then, if you collectively decide it could be a little lighter, go get a drink together!
2. In our snack-oriented culture, we also often confuse hunger with thirst. Sometimes when your kids want a snack, they actually may really need a drink instead. Keep track of how much they're eating and if they're getting enough food, suggest a drink instead.
3. Too often kids hydrate with sweet liquids such as soda, sports drink or fruit drinks. This means that along with drinking more often, kids often consumer more calories (mostly from sugar). Start encouraging water--plain water-- as a way to wet their whistle.
4. Hydration also means replacing electrolytes - minerals like sodium. Sometimes, people go overboard, downing the Gatorade when they haven't sweated that much. That can put too much salt in your body, not to mention a lot of added sugar. You can replace your electrolytes through a healthy diet.
(Source: GALTime.com)