Soda for children?

Question

I have a 4 year old son and a 7 year old stepson. My husband allows his son to drink non-caffeinated beverages often (several a day). I only allow my 4 year old to drink a Sprite every now and then and I've asked my husband to limit the soda his son drinks to avoid my son from getting hooked on them (my son drinks milk or apple juice almost exclusively, and water occasionally).

Do you think I'm making too big a deal of this? Do you let your kids drink or not drink Sprite, Sierra Mist, etc. and why or why not? Does age matter (i.e., did you limit soda till a certain age)?

Answer 1

Soda is made almost entirely of high fructose corn syrup, which should be consumed in very limited qualities. You should be training your kids to be thirsty for water, they don't need juice or soda every time they are thirsty.

Answer 2

Well  since  parents  started  letting  their  kids  switch  from  milk  to  soda ,  

Obesity  and  child  diabetes  has  soared  to  epidemic  proportions .

I  guess  it  depends  it   someone  is  trying  to  "buy  the  kid  off "  

with  candy  and  junk   food ( soda  is  junk ,  liquid  candy )

And  does  Not  care  if  they  are  total  couch  potatoes ,

Or   really   cares  about   the  child  growing  up  strong  and  healthy .

Does  Not  sound  like  dad  actually  loves  his  son ,

Just   meets  the  min  requirements  for  keeping  him  alive  .

Sorry ,  some  guys  are  not  evil ,  just  nutrition   idiots .

Maybe  it's  time  to  have  a  talk  with  hubby  and  designate

YOU  the  Family  meal  maker  ( including  beverages ) .

You  should  be  the  meal  parent  for  Both  children and  let   the  

husband  be  the   sports /  physical  ed  coach  ?

good  luck

>

Answer 3

You are never making too big a deal about your children's health and welfare!  Personally, I really limit sugary beverages caffeinated or not.  It may be too late now since your son is four, but I typically offer only milk or water, and any juice (even apple juice since most are very sugary) is considered a luxury - like at Grandma's house or as a treat.  My kids never even ask for juices or soda since they know it's not an option.  I do this because processed foods today contain so many sugars and other unwholesome ingredients that even if I just limit what they drink, it should help their health.

My thought is to research the drinks you don't approve of, show your husband all the negative ingredients and agree together not to serve them regularly to your kids.

Answer 4

I have always limited the amout of sodas my kids drink. They are now 19,15,14,9. and 8. I buy 4 2 liters of Root Beer and Sierra Mist a month and when it is gone it is gone. I bought the kids water bottles and I buy the Kool Aid and Crystal Light singles for them. But mostly they drink their water.

I personally do not think you are making too big of a deal out of it. My daughter now will only drink soda occassionally. And all of my kids drink tons of milk!!! Hope this helps you. I think you are doing the right thing.

Answer 5

why does he want to start the child being addicted to sugar??

with ADHD, obesity , and other many things that is just a very irresponsible idea...

Answer 6

My 2 yr old does not drink soda. The sugar is very bad for their teeth. She has however had Sprite but she doesn't like the carbonation, children ge thooked very quickly on soda it seems, I have also read they should not start drinking soda unitl all teeth have came in, or around age 5-6

Answer 7

I think you are doing just right, because it's of how much sugar they are taking = their health. Good Mother!!Hope your husband listens to you!! Explain what how bad he is doing to his son, hope he understands!!

Answer 8

I think a soda "several a day" is excessive!  I have a 7 year old daughter and she drinks soda only if we go out to dinner (once a week if that), or when we visit grandma's house (Friday evenings).  So this would be 1 at dinner, and maybe 2 at grandma's = 3 / week.  I think wean him off to 1 a day and go from there.

Answer 9

I belive giving your son a soda once in a while is nothing to worry about and it is good that he is drinking milk and apple juice. For your step son maybe lower the servings of soda. Its not a bad thing to drink soda but too drink a lot at a young age is. Young kids need to stay hydrated and caffeinated drinks dont help. People get kidney stones from drinking too many high sugared and caffeinated beverages. Thats why energy drinks are bad too.

Answer 10

The main concern would be the sugar intake.  It's just not good for kids to have that much sugar.  I keep Crystal Lite, or other sugar free drinks around for the kids.  Occasionally they do get a soda but it's usually if we eat out.  I'm a teacher and I see the effects of too much sugar on a daily basis.  I had a kindergardener whose mom packed him a king size reeces pieces, 20 oz Dr. Pepper, a big bag of chips and spaghettios for lunch.  No wonder he couldn't sit in his seat!! lol  Anyway, I agree with you, it's just not good for them.  Fresca is also a great alternative to sprite, etc..  Good Luck