When the "other mother" drops Lexi off on Sundays, so many times she will be carrying a cola in her little hands, chugging it coming up the steps because she knows that I am going to dump it out as soon as she walks in the door. She sees it simply as me being mean, because her mommy lets her drink all the soda she wants over at her other house. I have to sit her down almost every time we get her to explain the consequences of soft drinks.
Now I'm not saying that she can't have the occasional Sprite or Sierra Mist as a treat, but I prefer if she and Sammy are exposed to healthy choices instead of only sugary soft drinks.
Why is soda bad for kids?
1. Carbonated beverages contain Phosphoric Acid, the acidifying agent that gives soda it's tangy flavor. Phosphoric acid is also used to remove rust. When consumed regularly, phosphoric acid depletes the body of calcium and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Children who drink more soda are more likely to break bones than those who do not. It can also cause kidney disease and eat enamel from teeth.
2. Speaking of teeth, studies have shown that the acid in soda can begin to break down tooth enamel within 20 minutes. Add that to the high amounts of sugar, and teeth will start to crumble. I know this one from personal experience, as I had to have serious amounts of dental work done to help repair my almost non-existent front teeth from excessive soda drinking.
3. Caffeinated beverages have been linked to high aggression in kids, as well as a lower attention span.
3. Caffeinated beverages have been linked to high aggression in kids, as well as a lower attention span.
What effects does caffeine have on children?
Side effects of caffeine include insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, upset stomach, fast heartbeat, and/or muscle tremors. These side effects can be even more common in younger children due to the smaller sizes of their bodies and their lower tolerance for the drug. Drug? Yes, caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant that occurs naturally in many plants - acting as a natural pesticide.
Because of the concern about the adverse effects of caffeine, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages caffeine consumption for all children.
What are your thoughts? Do you let your children drink soda? What are your kids' favorite drinks?
Great piece of info. My little one is so drawn towards coke when I drink it. And insists on having some from mine. But I don't give in and tell him its not good for him.. Now that I read this post, I am glad that I am right! (well, of course Moms are always right, right?) :)
ReplyDeleteI once saw a kid that had mt. dew in his bottle! We mostly drink water in our house, especially the kids.
ReplyDeleteI try to keep my oldest from it but with a newborn to care for as well some times she gets sips of coffee or Dr. Pepper when my back is turned. great post, Its super informative.
ReplyDeletePop (soda) is pretty much banned in our household (adults too!) Besides the sugar and caffeine there are all the chemical additives and flavorings, many of which are cancer inducing. We've been away from it for so long I find I really don't even crave it.
ReplyDelete(For caffeine, nothing beats a good homemade mocha with dark chocolate either!)
We haven't exactly banned soda, we just don't drink it or have it at home. The boys will have one or two when they're at my parents' house and that's fine with me.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I stopped drinking soda a few years back, when we started eating "Paleo." We do not miss it at all now. Actually, when we do have a sip, it hurts out throat.... Our challenge will be educating our son when he is older (only 8 months old, so still on breast milk) to make healthy food/drink choices, when the norm is to drink soda, eat junk and processed foods. Unfortunately, most kid juices are loaded with sugar as well, and are probably just as bad for them as having a soda. Controversies over dairy as well, which I will be addressing in my blog in the future. Great post, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI don't allow my children to drink very much soda. They usually get it only when we eat on the go. I don't want them to grow up craving the sugar and I make my kids drink water for the most part. I don't want them to be addicted to soda like me, especially diet soda.
ReplyDelete