‘My 4-Year-Old Loves Sodas–What Can I Do?’

How bad are sodas and sugary drinks for kids? This was a parent’s concern when they posted anonymously on Smart Parenting Village, a Facebook community of over 110,000 Filipino parents. In their post, the parent shared that their 4-year-old child loves drinking sugary drinks, including sodas, and they don’t know how to “wean” him from them.

Their post reads:

“Please help.

Yung anak ko na 4 years old, boy, sobrang uhaw sa softdrinks, Dutch Mill, at Yakult. Kapag hindi nabigay ang gusto niya, nagdadabog siya. Kapag napagsabihan, umiiyak.

Last night, we had a family gathering sa side ng wife ko. And the beverages served were soda. May Coke, Sprite, Royal, at Root Beer. Uminom siya ng tig-iisang baso. Tapos ngayon, gusto niya ulit ng soda at nagwawala nanaman.

Working kami pareho ng wife ko, kaya parents ni wife ang nag-aalaga sa anak namin. We’ve decided to not hire a babysitter dahil hindi pa namin afford at in-laws ko na ang nag-alaga kay baby since birth. So mahal na mahal talaga nila ang apo nila at kampante kami na safe ang anak namin sa kanila. Kaso nga lang po, in-laws ko ang nag-introduce ng softdrinks kay baby. Wala pang 1 year old si baby, pinatikim na nila. Hanggang ngayon, kapag nangungulit yung anak namin at humihingi ng softdrinks, hindi nila matanggihan. Hindi nila gaano pinapagalitan or pinapalo. Kumbaga, spoiled na talaga sa lolo at lola niya.”

Why Sugary Drinks Are Bad For Kids

Studies have consistently shown the dangers of junk food and sodas or sugary drinks to adults, and most especially, children. Sugary beverages increase children’s health risks for:

Increases the Risk of Obesity

Children who consume sugary drinks have a higher risk for excessive weight gain primarily due to their high sugar content. It contributes to excess calorie intake without essential nutrients and increased cravings that can lead to overeating. It can contribute to increased insulin resistance, increased blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Leads to Tooth Decay

Aside from obesity, sugary drinks can also increase kids’ risk for tooth decay. This happens when the sugar in the drinks interacts with the bacteria in the mouth and produces acid. This acid then attacks the tooth enamel–the hard outer layer of the tooth–causing it to weaken and eventually erode. This can then lead to cavities or tooth decay.

Contributes to Behavioral Issues

According to studies, children who regularly consume sugary drinks also have an increased risk to behavioral problems, such as aggressive behaviors, attention difficulties, and mood swings.

Negatively Affects Appetite and Nutrition

Kids tend to feel full after drinking sugary drinks, reducing their appetite and minimizing their chance to eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains–possibly leading to nutrient deficiencies.

How Can Parents Wean Off Their Kids From Sugary Drinks

Since the child in the post was introduced to sugary drinks at less than a year old and has regularly consumed them, weaning their child away requires patience and consistency. If you are also planning to shift your child away from sugary drinks or other unhealthy food, here’s a step-by-step approach you can consider:

Communicate with Everyone

Ensure that everyone in the family knows and understands what and why you are transitioning your child–in this case, from sugary drinks. Educate them on the health risks and ask them to participate in choosing better and healthier alternatives. You can also teach them how to handle your child’s tantrums.

Gradually Transition Away from Sugary Drinks

Kids might find it hard to go cold turkey with sugary drinks, especially if they have had it regularly. You can try to reduce their intake gradually by:

Diluting sugary drinks: To reduce the concentration, you can start by adding water to their favorite sugary drinks in increasing amounts daily.

Decreasing frequency: Try to limit their consumption–if they have one sugary drink daily, limit it to every other day, then gradually to twice or once a week.

Reducing portion size: Give your child smaller amounts per serving to lessen their consumption over time.

Introduce Healthier Alternatives: You can also try offering healthier alternative drinks, such as:

• Flavored water: Add slices of fruits such as lemon, cucumber, or dalandan to water.
• Unsweetened milk or yogurt drinks: Instead of buying popular yogurt drinks, you can stock up on unsweetened versions.
• Homemade smoothies: You can blend fresh fruits and milk to serve healthy shakes and smoothies.
• Coconut water: You can try to serve coconut water at times as a sweet and healthy drink alternative.

*Always offer water, which is always the best choice for a hydrating drink.

Make it Fun

You can make the transition easier and more fun for your child by:

Using special cups: Serving their drinks in colorful or unique cups or bottles can excite them for their non-sugary drink.

Let them choose: You can serve up healthy drink options and let them pick what they want.

Sticker rewards: You can use a reward chart–they will earn a sticker for every healthy drink or water they consume, eventually leading to a small prize.

Set an Example

Children imitate adults, so show them that you’re drinking water or healthy beverages so that they are more likely to do the same. You can also avoid buying sodas and sugary drinks so they won’t see them at home.

Be Consistent and Patient

Expect the first few days to be hard and tantrum-filled, but always remember to remain firm and patient. Gently explain to your child why sugary drinks are bad for them and why healthier alternatives are better. You can also use positive reinforcement–praise your child whenever he drinks water or a healthier drink.

Getting your child to stop drinking sugary drinks can be challenging, especially if they’re drinking it regularly. But with the right approach, parents can wean them off it and help them develop better and healthier habits.

Read here to find out if sugarless soda or gum are better for kids.