MASON CITY, Iowa (KIMT) – Michelle Albertson says she enjoys spending time outdoors with her four boys, but has to make sure she is prepared when it is hot out.

“It’s important for us to always check the weather, so we know if it’s going to be in the 90’s we make sure we’ve got our bottles with us. Our boys each have their own water bottles that they think is super fun to fill it up and add their own ice cubes, says Albertson.

A recent study from The Institute of Medicine suggests most kids are not drinking enough water and Albertson says as a parent, keeping kids hydrated can be a challenge.

“It can be really hard especially when kids you know they want to have the soda or the juices or things that aren’t necessarily as good for them, but it’s really important to make sure they are getting enough liquids, says Albertson.

The study shows as kids get older they need to drink more water. But if you’re struggling to keep your kids hydrated there are some ways to sweeten the deal.

“Parents can put fruit and berries into ice cube trays and then pop those into their water to give it a little sweetness,” says Kelli Huinker, Health Promotion Manager for the Cerro Gordo County Health Department.

Huinker says parents have a vital role to play when it comes to teaching their kids healthy habits.

“But also role modeling, if a parent comes around with a water bottle and drinks it throughout the day kids are more likely to do that as well and make sure that they are adequately as hydrated,” says Huinker.