I have a question about this pecuilar preschooler?

Question

I volunteer at a preschool two streets away from me every Wednesday, Monday and Thursday (it's the same class and they only have class on those dates).

Yesterday, one of the children was eating his snack when he came over to me and asked if he could have a grape soda instead of the milk that was given to every child. I didn't know what to say so I politely told him that there wasn't any soda here. He shrugged and said, "Maybe Monday."

He then returned to his table and continued eating. I asked the teacher if that was a good decision and she said yes.

I didn't want to lie to him, but what could I do?

He's four years old, what do you think I should've done?

Answer 1

I'm no clear on why he is peculiar?  Many many kids get sodas at home with no problem.  It might be his favorit and he asked because he is used to asking for one.  When he said maybe Monday, that's when I would have told him that the preschool doesn't allow children to have sodas there, but if he wanted to talk to his parents about drinking soda, that would be fine too.

He's 4 which is impressionable, but will he remember a talk about the "evils" of soda later enough to avoid sodas?  I doubt it.  He'll probably just remember the part that he wanted one and he couldn't have one.

Answer 2

I don't think that's a peculiar question.  Many kids drink only soda at home, but soda is NEVER a healthy choice, and it is perfectly OK to tell a child that.  If it happens again, tell him that we only drink healthy drinks like milk at school and there will be no soda on Monday or any other day.  (The teacher is NOT modeling good choices for the children by drinking soda while they are there, but it is not your place to tell her that.  If the child asks why she is drinking it, tell him "I don't know.  It's not healthy.  You can ask her.")  I would never, ever drink soda during a class, although I might indulge in a cookie or other small treat if it is part of what the class is doing.  Unhealthy treats are not harmful in the diet in limited quantities, and I explain that to my students to help them learn to make healthy food choices for themselves.

Answer 3

There is a more serious issue here. The teacher should not have been drinking the soda in front of the children. That is poor role modeling. As an educator she should not eat or drink anything in front of the children that they cannot have, and should save unhealthy snacks for her break. You could have gone on to explain to the child that soda is not a healthy snack, but he would have had every right to ask why the teacher was having it.

Answer 4

Say, "No, you can't. Milk is much healthier than a grape soda. I don't even know if your mother lets you have them. Sorry, *his name*."

Answer 5

I think you did the right thing.

You could also have taken the opportunity to explain to him why children don't get any soda during their meals.  Say something about how milk is healthier for them, and how soda is not a healthy choice and should only be had once in a while.  If you can, do a little research and show him what soda does to a person's body.  Children are very smart, he can understand if you break it down for him.

I think that if he asks you again on Monday you should take that time to explain, hopefully it will lead to healthier choices for him (I guess I'm concerned about the kinds of drinks he is being given at home).

Answer 6

You definitely did the right thing.  Because if he was to get one or if you had promised him one, then all of the other kids would have wanted one too.  And milk is better for him anyway.  And lying to little kids is NOT going to help them. Ever.

Answer 7

Don't know why you think he is peculiar.  Seems a reasonable question to me.  I think your response to his question is more peculiar.

Answer 8

Did you actually have soda in the classroom? I am not clear on whether you lied to him or not. That is not even the point though. All you would have to tell the child is that you don't drink soda at school because it is not very good for you. It certainly doesn't sound like something you should worry about too much. His parents probably give him soda at home. My students ask for candy all the time in my kindergarten class! Of course, I give them healthy snacks instead and explain why.

Answer 9

What is so peculiar about that? Maybe he gets sodas at home. Explain to him that the school only has healthy food and milk is healthier than soda.