Children and daily routines: Why routines are important
Routines have important functions in our children’s lives and should be established early on. We have some suggestions for creating a structured daily routine for the whole family!
Water is without doubt the best drink for children – but let’s be honest, sometimes it can be a little more exciting and varied! However, many drinks are full of sugar and artificial additives, which often taste good to children but are not good for their health. So how do you as parents conjure up healthy, tasty alternatives that taste just as good to children? From fruity herbal teas and colorful smoothies to homemade juices – here you will find creative ideas that not only quench thirst but also provide valuable nutrients. Let’s discover the world of healthy drinks for little gourmets together!
Unsweetened herbal teas such as peppermint, camomile or rooibos are caffeine-free and offer a tasty alternative to water. They can be served hot or cold and are also suitable as a base for homemade iced teas. A splash of lemon juice, a little honey or a few fresh berries can further enhance the taste.
Infused water – flavored water – is a great and tasty alternative to plain water. Water can be spiced up with natural ingredients, making it much more interesting for children. Add slices of citrus fruit, cucumber, fresh mint leaves or berries and leave to infuse in the fridge for a few hours. The result is a refreshing drink with no added sugar that also looks exciting!
Natural coconut water is also a great drink for children – especially for young athletes! It is rich in electrolytes and an excellent alternative to industrial sports drinks. Make sure to choose unsweetened coconut water to avoid added sugar.
Liquid Calcium with Magnesium
*Calcium and vitamin D are needed for healthy growth and development of bones in children. Additionally, magnesium, vitamin K, and zinc support the maintenance of healthy bones.
Smoothies and freshly squeezed juices are ideal ways to provide children with hidden vitamins and minerals. Because industrially produced smoothies often contain added sugar and some vitamins and nutrients are lost during processing, the homemade version is much better. Here are some recipe ideas that are both delicious and healthy.
Berry and banana smoothie – this smoothie is particularly rich in antioxidants and fiber.
Ingredients: 1 banana, a handful of mixed berries (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), 200 ml unsweetened almond milk or yoghurt, optionally a teaspoon of chia seeds
Preparation: Place all the ingredients in a blender and puree to a creamy consistency.
Green monster smoothie – the spinach provides valuable vitamins, while the fruit provides natural sweetness.
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 1 apple, a handful of fresh spinach leaves, juice of half a lemon, 200ml water or unsweetened plant milk.
Preparation: Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Carrot-apple juice – this orange-colored juice is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C.
Ingredients: 2 apples, 3 carrots, a small piece of ginger, juice of an orange
Preparation: Juice the ingredients or puree in a blender and pass through a fine sieve.
Finally, we have a few tips for preparation. Use ripe fruit where possible to give the drinks a natural sweetness and always avoid adding sugar if possible. Provide plenty of variety by varying the ingredients and offering different flavors and nutrients. This keeps it exciting for your children to try out new drinks. And don’t be afraid to let your children help with the preparation – this will increase their anticipation and willingness to try new drinks.
Find out which tasty foods are rich in lutein and how you can support your little explorers.
Routines have important functions in our children’s lives and should be established early on. We have some suggestions for creating a structured daily routine for the whole family!