Water is a fundamental component of the human body and plays an essential role in many physiological processes. Adequate hydration is particularly important in childhood, as it influences children is psyhical performance, cognitive abilities, concentration, and overall well-being. Despite professional recommendations, many studies show that children often do not consume sufficient amounts of fluids and frequently choose sugar-sweetened beverages, which may negatively affect their health. The preschool period represents an important developmental stage for establishing healthy lifestyle habits; therefore, both parents and educational institutions play an important role in encouraging appropriate drinking habits.
The aim of this bachelor is thesis was to examine whether preschool children in kindergarten consumed an adequate amount of unsweetened beverages, particularly water and unsweetened tea, and to determine whether planned motivational activities influenced an increase in fluid intake. In addition, the research explored the impact of encouraging activities on children is independence in drinking, their spontaneous reminders to drink, and their attitudes toward different types of beverages.
The research was conducted in kindergarten in Ljubljana and included 19 children aged 3 to 4 years. An empirical research approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was used. The quantitative part was based on measuring the amount of fluids consumed during the morning period over four weeks. The first week was devoted to baseline measurement, while various activities aimed at encouraging fluid intake were implemented during the following three weeks. The qualitative part of the research included systematic observation of children is behavior, their independence in drinking, and their spontaneous reminders to drink.
The results of the research showed that the introduction of encouraring activities increased the amount of unsweetened fluids consumed by the children. Furthmore, the children is independence in reaching for drinks increased, as did their awareness of the importance of adequate hydration. The findings contributed to a better understanding of preschool children is drinking habits and provided useful recommendations for promoting healthy drinking habits in kindergarten and in children is broader everyday environment.
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