Curious! - Wesley Chapel,FL

Thats funny that you post this as I just had a similar conversation with a friend yesterday about this. I have a 15 year old daughter who has never had soda. I never gave it to her as a child and as she has gotten okder she just doesnt want it. She drinks water and crystal light juice. She loves teh crystal light stuff. My two year old has never had soda either. For her its basically just juice, water. My kids do not eat candy much either. They LOVE veggies and fruit!! I guess you and I basically do the same thing. Which makes me feel better because my friend told me that I was being to strict.

Hi I think you are doing a great job!!!!!!!. I have a 3 and a 5 year old I also dont give them any soda or candy insted I am very diligent that the juices that they drink are 100% juice. I really dont know why but my kids like vegetables insted of candy. I give them candy but in very rare ocassions and they seem not to worried to have them either.So basicly you are doing a great job so keep on going. Thanks.

I have a 5 1/2 year old and a 1 1/2 year old and I don't let them have soda either. I don't think its good for anyone, that's just my opinion. I don't drink it but my husband does,we don't keep it in the house though. They don't even ask for it and they tell people they don't drink it when its offered.My oldest drinks milk, water, oj, or 100% juice. My youngest only drinks milk or water, he doesn't like juice. As far as candy goes,its a once in awhile treat. My oldest would probably eat it all the time if I let him!

HI. Well in my household. I only hold donuts and lollipops for SPECIAL occasions. I don't let my daughter drink soda often and I do, it is ALWAYS sprite. No caffeine. Other than that, we eat very healthy. Its good to let them devour cake and candy at bday parties unless you attend a million a year.

you do your children a great service by teaching them not to load up on sugar and soda and such.

My daughter ate only veggies at the age of 2 and she got no sodas (bad behavior reactions - very bad). My son gets the same.

The children are eating healthy and developing good eating habits. Keep it up mom.

There should be more people like you and kids wouldn't grow up facing obesity.

I too try not to give my girls soda. Not to say that they never get it (same with candy and cookies and other manner of sweet yummys) but I try to make sure they have had something nutritious first...ie, you can have a cookie when you have eaten 3 more bites of dinner...something like that. I try to make sure they have a fruit for breakfast, fruit and veggies with lunch and snacks and 100% juice throughout the day. My husband and I are overweight and both of our families have chronic weight problems so my poor girls will have genetics working against them anyway. I try to get them to like a variety of foods so they will make the right choices later and maybe stave off the ridicule that I had when I was a girl.

Thank you for not contribiuting to the fastest growing disease in this country!

I think what you are doing with your kids are great. I did the same with my kids. I also taught my kids that fruit is a good dessert. My girls are 14 and 12 and they still prefer fruit as a dessert. As for the soda they will ask once and a while. But they know that I will only allow it on weekends. As they got older I explained to them why. There is so much unneeded ingredients in sodas that a healthier choice would be juice, milk, ice tea or water. I have found that if you present healthy meal choices as a positive rewarding thing to your kids they will learn this and continue to do this as they grow.

I wouldn't be too strict. My sister didn't let her son have any candy or sweets at all and when he started pre-school he traded all his fruits and veggie for candy and snacks. I believe there is a good balance to healthy eating. I applaude you for teaching your children good eating habits.

I wish more parents would do the same

I dont give my daughter soda eithier I wasnt allowed to have it and she isnt eithier it is bad for kids it rots there teeth and makes them act like crazy kids!!! you are not alone on that one also I am the ssame with candy she gets it on special ocasions and that is it!!! My daughter will even tell you that kids and babys arent allowed to have soda only mommy's and daddy's can have soda..so good for ou and you arent the only one but I do get wierd looks for it also and I get so mad when people ask her and not me if she can have sweets

I don't think there is anything wrong. My son would prefer grapes or a banana over chocolate anyday. Now my daughter is another story. But she does love salad. I do limit my children during the weekdays and people give me the same attitude. But my children are happy and healty. That is all that matters to me. When they grow up they will be healthy adults.

Good for you!! For years I never allowed my daughter to drink soda pop nor eat candies. I was quite successful until she started school, and then during class parties and the like, she developed a taste for the nasty stuff. Now that she is 10 years old, I have started to homescholl, and that's right, ha ha, she won't be taking in the poison anymore, at least not until she's old enough to know better ;-)

I have an 11 yo, 9yo and 6yo and I could count on both hands the occasions that they drink soda. Its loaded with sugar and sodium not to mention... its not necessary:)
We limit candy as well, and when we do allow sweets, its usually ice cream. We also limit "screen time" and guess what! All three are healthy and active and do not have chronic ear infections or the big guts I see on other kids their age. You're not weird, just smart! NOthing drives me over the edge quicker than when we're out and about at the zoo or mall and see a mom pouring soda into a bottle or sippy cup!
PS: at our birthday parties, we serve juice boxes and mini water bottles along with a big bowl of grapes and pretzels, sometimes string cheese. We even put mini rice krispie treats and toys in the pinata (no candy)! None of the kids seem to even notice. They still get cake of course. The mini waters are always the first to go with the kids. YOu don't find dozens of half-empty soda cans lying around when its over, just empty water bottles. This helps keep a lid on wild behavior.

Well I dont think you are strange at all!!! Good eating habits early on stay with you your whole life. Good job! Dont let anyone tell you differently. I am not judging those other moms (who am I to judge?)-I give my son soda every once in a while and candy too. But he does not expect it all the time. It is a treat. Now his Dad tends to give him more of both then I do but we are seperated, so when he's at his dads house I cant exactly monitor him all the time. Plenty of fruits and veggies and juices and milk is a wonderful thing- way to go!!!!

Good for you! I have a 17 month old daughter and it will be milk, 100% juice and water for as long as possible. There is absolutely NO point in giving them pop (even diet). Their tummies are small, and why fill it up with empty calorie and no nutrition whatsoever. Same goes for �sweets� as it�s the parental responsibility to ensure their children have a well balanced diet. A friend�s 4 yr old daughter will only eat chicken nuggets, fries and the batter from corn dogs. If she wasn�t given these foods to begin with, she wouldn�t know they exist! My daughter eats every fruit and vegetable imaginable � why? Because I limit her �sweets�. Rarely does she get a cookie and she had an ice cream cone for the first time this weekend. She loves Total / Bran / Oat cereal � why? Because I don�t give her Fruit Loops or Frosted Flakes. It�s simple � children will eat what they�re given. Children don�t have �will power� and don�t understand �should eat� vs �shouldn�t eat�. As parents it�s our responsibility to be that voice.

Keep up the good work.

~J.

Good job C.! Soda is used to clean blood off of highways and clean corrosion off of car batteries. It does not belong in anyone's stomach, let alone children. And as far as candy, birthdays and Halloween should be the most of it. I agree with you 100%. I recently held my daughter's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese and they actually asked me "Do you want regular or diet coke for the kids?" For 5 year olds! I insisted on orange juice. And as far as other people's opinions... they are just that, opinions. You have more valid reasons for your requirements on your child's diet. My rule of thumb is if I don't agree with that method I disregard it. Stick to it. You know what's good for them.

Good for you and your family C.!!!!!!
Unfortunately we do live in a time where soda has replaced water and the rush and go of the times leaves us working moms preparing dinner from a box full of the MOST unhealthy things killing us all off.
Both my boys eat fruit and veggies raw or cooked. I am guilty of plenishing them with soda and boxed super. However having a recent revelation of how unhealthy it is that we do eat these days, I too am trying to change my grocery list and get back to living the way God intended for our bodies to be kept.
Again.... Good for you and wish me luck on being just as good. I will say though, both my boys drink more water than the do soda but it is a regular allowance. I'm trimming back little by little, again wish me luck!
God Bless You Sister.

OK SO MAYBE I'M THE BAD PARENT HERE RESPONDING. I DONT BLAME YOU FOR THAT, BUT YOU CANNOT EXPECT EVERYONE TO HAVE NOTHING BUT VEGGIES AND STUFF AT PARTIES, IF THEY ARE LIKE ME, I GET WHATEVER IS CHEAP AND FAST. JUICE IS A HASSLE FOR ME B/C THE ADULTS WANT SODA AND THE KIDS WONT DRINK MUCH, THEY ARE TOO BUSY TO PLAY. I GET JUICE BOXES THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME, BUT USUALLY A COUPLE OF CASES OF SODA AND THE PARTY'S AT THE PARK. I ALWAYS GET A CAKE, CANDY, AND PIZZA OR HOTDOGS/HAMBURGERS IF I COOK AT ALL, AND IT'S THE SAME WITH ALL OF MY FRIENDS OR KIDS FRIENDS PARTIES THAT WE GO TO. GUESS I AM THE BAD PARENT, BUT I DON'T FEEL THAT WAY. THE KIDS KNOW THAT THEY HAVE TO EAT RIGHT AND I DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT KEEPING CANDY N SODA AT THE HOUSE ALL THE TIME EITHER. MY KIDS ARE 6 N 2

My son is only 10 weeks old, so I haven't even ventured into the territory that your dealing with, but I think what you're doing is great! Other parents may have different opinions, but that's all they are, opinions. In the end, they are your children and other parents really need to respect your decisions whether they agree or not.

HI, I have a 4 yr. old son and he'd prefer raw veggies over candy anytime. I think it's so much healthier for them. He does ask for candy once in a while, which is no big deal and he doesn't drink pop either. I'd rather he didn't anyway. He loves strawberries and raw fruit, not out of a can. I think it has too much sugar than natural fruit. I think your doing awsome. Keep it up, they'll thank you in the long run.

My boys are a little younger but I get the same looks when I tell them I don't give my boys Juice. I think you are totally right! There is nothing nutritous in soda and it is an addicting empty calorie drink! Good for you and your kids health!

Hey there, BRAVO to you for caring enough about your children's health to NOT give them soda's!! There is more and more information about the red food dyes, allergies, and all the "junk" they add to foods. Once in a while, yeah ok, but a constant diet. I have even seen toddlers with soda, tea in their bottle. Of course the VERY best thing you can do is BREAASTFEED. I often see problems (posted) with constipation, allergies etc after a mom stops bf. Anyway, good for you and just keep saying NO.

Hi, i have 3 children. They are 11, 7 & 4. My first 2 never had soda at all. My 3rd child had soda from the age of (HONESTLEY) 6 months of age. It made him quiet. My 3rd child is now addicted to soda (COCA-COLA). I do keep my children on a strict eating pattern that does include fruits. I am guilty thoufh of fixing my oldest and my yougest different food for dinner. My middle child eats almost everything. I think it is great about your children. I believe soda has really afffected my 4 year old for life.

I'm always amazed when I see parents giving small children soda. I think to myself, why would you give a child something with not only sugar, but caffeine?!? What you've probably done differently is set clear guidelines for your children, and backed these up with your own actions. It is very impressive that your children told this adult that they couldn't have soda and did not beg for you to make an exception. They obviously respect your rules and don't feel cheated by them. Another thing you've done is give your children healthy, tasty options, that if raised on, are a far more desireable choice. Good job!!!

You should be extremely proud of how you are raising your children , especially regarding their eating habits , first off obesity is a huge problem in children now a days .. My oldest daughter who is now 8 did not ever tase soda until the age of 6 , my 3 year old who I just for kicks give her a sip cause she HATES it , it's bad of me , but I love to see her sour face!!!!! lolol,I've seen mothedrs put soda in a baby bottle for their 1 year old ??? , & then let's not for get "ADD" , which honestly is hard for me to swallow , but parents are loading up their kids with sugar & caffeine & wondering why they can't sit still, must be "ADD" , so let's load em up with sugar & ritalin??? ..

Good for you my kids do not drink any soda they drink water, milk with a little chololate or 100% juice. they do have there sweets but not all the time my daugther who is 2 just started liking salad and she would eat all kinds fruit when she was a baby but now she won't touch it and my son who is 4 is soo picky in anything he eats i wish they ate more fruit and veggies whoo knows maybe one day i really don't like see kids drink soda.keep up the great work

Kudos -- it is tough but you are making it happen. I have 3 kids and I try very hard for them not to have Soda and Candies -- they do have some time to time but in B'day party people thought I was strange and too strict with my kids. My kids are 7,4,and 4 and they get soda at school in parties and Believe me, I had to threaten the daycare since my kids were getting so much candy there - Halloween party, B'day party, X-Mas, New Year, Valentine, Easter -- you name it -- they will have a goodie bag of junk. I talked and talked to the teacher and coordinator ( they go to an excellent day care -- expensive but it is restricted to only Company workers), and then I gave a notice in writing ..
I know I can't avoid it all the time but as long as they are not having it very often, I have come to terms with it. They have soda only in parties -- one or two candies from the goodie bag and they have to brush immediately. Thay can have soda at home with special meals. I give them iced tea diluted with lots of water at times. It is hard to implement as my husband is pretty much easy going, and if given a choice, he will let kids have soda once a day, so I have to really put my foot and watch.
Remember it does not matter what others say. It is you and your kids -- I hear plenty -- since I do not let my kids watch more than 30 min TV in a week or two weeks either But they are my kids and I will do what I think is best.

I am the same way and could really care less what other things. I teach my kids healthy eating habits and thats that.

Hi C.,

Be proud of yourself and your children! I sure am. To have a 4 and a 6 year ask for fruit instead of candy and ask for milk/juice instead of soda is a wonderful accomplishment. You are raising children who know how to make healthy choices for themselves. When those other kids are fighting obesity as preteens, I am sure you will take pride in the healthy lifestyle you have created for your family.

Kudos to you!!!
T.

Hi. I know you've been reassured by now, but I just want to say that I am another one who is anti-soda. I have only started setting my 12 year old have soda in the past year or so, and the 4 year old has never had it as far as I know. She took a sip of someone's once and her face was priceless. As far as candy, I don't keep it around, but I do let them have it. All in all, my kids prefer fruit to candy and water to soda.

I commend you !!!! CONGRADULATIONS . I have to say my son is now 14, he would prefer fruit then candy. He drinks tea and Kool-Aid . He likes salads and likes all veggies. He is not over weight or a lazy child. Thank you for wanting to raise your children in a HEALTY manner and thank you for not filling your children with so much sugar that they can�t sit still for 2 seconds in a public place. M.

My kids don't drink it either. My daughter is only 3 but she won't be having it until she's much older and can make her own decision. I have a 6 year old step-son and all he wants is soda because his mom gives it to him all the time. It makes me furious. Water is a bad word to him and when I give my kids juice it's half full of water. I say GO GIRL, don't worry about what those other people say. It's a really good thing, and I don't understand why more people cannot understand that it's so much more beneficial to start early on teaching them good eating habits!

HELLO C.!

DONT EVEN QUESTION IT..
OF COURSE SODA...CANDY IS NOT GOOD FOR OUR KIDS!!
WATER...JUICE...MILK IS WHAT THEY NEED!
AND AGAIN ITS ALL IN MODERATION..SWEETS WONT KILL THEM, BUT VERY LIMITED!!
GREAT JOB..KEEP IT UP!

TAKE CARE
J.=)

My husband and I are the same way with our son. He is 2 1/2 yrs old and we have always mixed his juice with water. If he has ever had soda, it was because we weren't watching and grandparents are sneaky. Fruit is like candy to him also. It's almost a reward b/c he likes it so much. We have tried to keep him eating healthy since he was born and he still eats very well. He like peas, corn, and green beans suprisingly. He still gets a sucker every once in a while. He is happy as can be and healthy. I wouldn't want to change any of his healthy habits either. It is best to start as early as you can. Keep up the good work!!! One day your kids will thank you.

Dear C.,

Take heart, I am a fellow Martian that does not like my daughter to have soda, ever! No junk food at home, good, really good quality food made everyday. No juice either. Stick to your guns, your doing great by having your kids start off well. My kids have good appetites and love salads and vegetables, because their taste buds have not been ruined with junk.

Pat yourself on the back for doing a great job despite all the pressure to do otherwise.

Hopefully you will get other responses, otherwise this would validate that we really ARE MARTIANS. :-)

D.

C....
Good for you. Our diet as a nation is horrible and our kids are to suffer because we allow media to dictate what our kids need or don't need. I have four boys and a girl on the way. I will not allow them to drink soda either...well, let me rephrase that. I do not buy soda...I give them walk and milk at times. They have plenty of opportunities to drink a light soda, like sprite, when we are out...but its a rare occasion that I allow it. Plain and simple, its horrible for them, loaded with sugar and there are much better options...good ole water! People ask why and I am honest....its a bad deal! Extra calories, depletes phororus stores in their body, pulls calcium from their bones...and its like feeding them 10T of sugar! YUCK....I am always educating moms on better choices...so good for you...continue to stand strong and be a good example...no matter how many stares or eyes or accusations. Your kids will be so blessed and much healthier. My kids take great natural vitamins and are NEVER sick....and know that a lot has to do with their diet and the building of their immune system through food choices and supplementation....I wouldnt trade my brains and choices for any TV ad!!

Good JOB!!!

Hi C.! That is WONDERFUL! No, don't change anything! I have a 1 yr old daughter and I basically do the same thing. I know she is still young, but I have encouraged her to eat fruit and veggies and she loves them! She also only drinks milk, water, or juice. My hubby has a 12 year old son from a previous marriage that is such a picky eater. He eats candy all the time and only wants to drink cokes. We are trying to change things for him, but he doesn't live with us so that is going to be difficult! But congrats on the way you do things!

C., my kids are 4 and almost 2. I run into the same odd responses constantly. No soda, no tea. It is hideous on any teeth, much less baby teeth, so I say no way. My oldest knows that and doesn't even waste his breath asking (littlest doesn't care one way or the other yet). Candy is an occasional treat as well, not everyday. And my kids both prefer fruit over birthday cake and ice cream.
I think to best answer your question, the answer lies in understanding the society we live in now. Everyone just gives in. The kids get everything they want, regardless of whether they've asked for it, deserve it, or the short and long-term consequences. It just doesn't seem to occur to parents anymore that spoiling isn't always a good thing or that the kids may actually prefer the healthy alternatives. That being said, my kids are obsessed with Chicken McNuggets. That is their "spoil" treat once every 2 weeks or so. We're not perfect parents.

I think it's great that your kids would ask for fruit instead of candy. I am the mother of a 5 1/2 month old girl and I am planning or hoping that she would choose fruit over candy when given the choice. I am planning on doing the same as you, no soda for as long as I can. Juice and water is much better anyways. I have an 8 year old step-son and if he does drink soda, he will ask for a diet. Which also gets some strange looks. But if he is going to drink soda I would much rather him have a diet one. I applaude you for raising your kids on fruits and vegs rather than chips and candy. I say Hooray for you!!!!

I am the same type of Mom. My kids are always asking for water...the other parents give them odd looks as well. It amazes me if we do the occasional McD's outing, and I order the apples instead of fries and milk instead of the kiddie soda, the employees look at me like I am depriving my children of something wonderful. What I hope that I am instilling in my children is the craving for healthy foods, and the habits that will help them stay fit as young adults. My children (ages 6,4 and 20 months) are very healthy and right on track for weight, they also have no behavioral problems or ADHD and other learning problems that seem to run rampant these days. As a preschool teacher, and mother, I see a direct correlation between all of today's problems and what we are putting into our children. Of course they cannot concentrate when they are filled with sugar and soda and then required to sit still. I wouldn't be able to do it either....

Anyway, I commend your efforts, and I wish more Mommies would instill this behavior. Imagine if we could all relearn our eating habits. If we never tried the junk, we wouldn't even know what where missing. And if we instill these wonderful habits from birth, we might actually be able to stop the obesity and learning problems that seem to be in so many little kids. They are innocent. It is our job to protect them

Good luck!

wow C., I agree with you, do not change a thing.
that is absolutely awesome the way you're teaching your kids. let other parents wonder as much as they want, you go look at yourself in the mirror, say 'great job mo,' and then tap your self in the back.
:)
all the best
V.
ps why don't you write guidelines how you managed to do that so i can read and follow your way

well i do the same i agree with you because it justs gets them wild

I'm with you on the no soda policy. My almost 2 year old gets only and occasional sip here and there; otherwise, she drinks milk, juice and water. She doesn't seem to mind. We also have fruit as our desserts and snacks with the occasional treat thrown in for good measure. I try to follow the same diet I give her so there is minimal double standard going on.

Believe me I understand. My family thinks that i'm from another world because I refuse to give my daughter candy, soda, or fast food. I've heard their remarks but at the end i tell them that they did a good job in raising their kids let me raise mine the way I want. They've backed off and respected my decisions. Your going to get that all the time so don't feel bad.

I hear ya on this one!

I don't give my daughter soda either! My neice actually asks my brother for DIET COKE!!! SHE'S 3 YRS OLD FOR CHRIST'S SAKE! I do give my girl candy periodically but she also prefers a healthier snack to junk.

It's up to us to shape our children's eating habits.

You are doing the right thing.

SODA IS HORRIBLE!

Don't change a thing!! I can tell you a little about what happens when you get too much soda as a kid: you get addicted to it! i am not kidding. My grandmother used to let me have Cokes all the time (against my mother's wishes) and since she was my primary babysitter that was alot. Now I'm 26 years old and addicted to Coca cola. I drink soda the way people smoke cigarettes. It's totally screwed up my teeth and makes it really hard to lose weight, because while I can cut out the sweets and fat, I can't seem to lose the caffinated Cokes. When I try to cut down or cut it out completely, I get actual withdrawel symptoms. Headaches, stomacheaches, moodiness... it's no fun. I am fighting it but it's not going to repair the damage to my teeth, that was done by the time I was a teenager. (I inherited weak enamel anyway, so that makes it worse.) I have a six year old and a 2 month old, my six year old is not allowed to have any caffinated drinks, period. Not even iced tea. I allow a sprite every now and then, usually if we're out to eat or at a party where there are not alot of choices, but at the restaurants he will usually choose milk anyway. He's got a normal sweet tooth, but I don't usually have too many of those at home either, and if I tell him he can pick something out at the store, he heads straight for the fruit bowls. I have experienced that being told I'm strict, but I know what can happen. Keep your kids away from caffeine!!

No way! I do not give my children soda or candy. I prefer healthy snacks. And when they do get a treat it is not soda or chocolate, but make fruit gummies. Of course others allow the sodas and candies,but I say No. Soda has no nutritional value. Candy will make my kids bounce off the walls. People look at me too strange when my daughter would rather watermelon, grapes, etc rather than junk, but Like I said they do get the "bad" stuff every once in a while. I don't mind giving an oreo with milk for good listen behaviors. Heck, i enjoy it too. You are doing the right thing. If more parents would follow this rather than the junk maybe our youth would not be so over weight.

I have a near 4 year old.. NO SODA here either.. they don't need that garbage at that age.. Good fro themto choose watermelon over candy... i do not give the candy on a daily basis, maybe once or twice a week, lolipop from school and swim lessons... no need for any more energy in my kid.. keep up the good work.. NOTHING wrong with what your doing....

Good for you! My 4 year old gets sprite on rare occassion (maybe once a month). She drinks milk, juice or water at home. At her birthday party I only offered juice boxes for the kids. Same thing with the fruits -- she loves her frozen grapes! I do give her candy, but she knows it is a treat! I also freeze juice into popsicles for a treat instead of buying them at the store.... I am glad to know that I am not alone!!!

C. I think it's wonderful that you don't give pop or much candy I'm the same way with my daughter. When I was younger I used to drink a ton of Mountain Dew and eat candy like crazy. Now I regret that because all that suagr has made my body very sesitive and I can no longer eat or drink very much sugar items in a days time. Between us I got IBS( Irritabale Bowl Syndrome) And even one soda can set off my stomach at anytime. Other days I can can drink one and be just fine.

So I think you have made a great decision for your kids!

Hi C. -

Echoing everyone else's response to this post, KUDOS to you on your efforts to keep your kids' diets healthy.

Having been raised in the Philippines, I can tell you firsthand what soda drinking does to kids' teeth...it rots them out. Most children who live there have metal lining whatever baby teeth they have left...it should also be noted that letting babies stay on the bottle too long also results in rotten teeth - a practice many native Filipinos allow until way past five years old.

In any case, while I cannot understand how educated mothers today can let their kids drink soda and eat junk food, it does happen on a large scale (no pun intended), since most American children today are obese. I bet that most parents just give into the junk food temptation to pacify their kids and to buy themselves some temporary peace and quiet (at least while their kids are eating the junk). Coming down from a sugar rush is NO picnic for parents or for kids.

Because I'm half Filipino, I was raised to love all sorts of veggies, especially the more exotic variety like bok choy, napa cabbage, bitter melon, mongo beans, etc. I've raised my kids in the same way, and now they LOVE to eat these veggies and have very eclectic palets. They never shy away from new food, and always at least give things a try before saying "NO" to it. For kids, that's all we can expect. I've never had a problem with my kids being picky eaters, and I'm VERY grateful for that. Because they spent time in Hawaii, my kids also love sushi, which by the way doesn't mean "raw fish" - it just means vinegared rice. They mostly eat the California roll variety although my 4 four-year old son craves spicy tuna from time to time.

Since I have family members who've raised their kids on junk food, I don't make them feel bad about it. Instead, I just try to offer my support as much as possible. I pity them because they'll have a long, uphill battle of getting their kids to eat healthy.

C., you mentioned a possible connection between kids eating healthy and having good behavior...that's a very solid observation although I think there are definitely some cultural elements that contribute to behavior. For example, when we were living in Hawaii, my son was literally the only half-white, half-Asian child in his entire school of 96 kids. Every other kid was some Asian mix...Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Laotian, etc. I noticed right away that these kids were not only well-behaved, but extremely quiet and unwilling to take their initiative to lead their classmates in class exercises and/or projects. They were mostly very timid, but definitely well-behaved as defined by their teachers because they were raised to speak only when spoken to, a very common Asian practice. By comparison, my son seemed like a typical loud-mouth American kid because he dared to ask questions and took the initiative to lead play groups and also to clean up around the class. I wouldn't have it any other way. He's a thinker, a talker, a leader, and a DOER...as he gets older, he's learning to respect authority more without being a sheep. Whether that can be attributed to his healthy eating habits, I don't know. His doctor predicts that he will grow to a max. height of somewhere between 6'4 and 6'6, so he'll have a healthy-sized appetite in any case. It's our job as parents to make sure that he's set on the right path.

One thing I'd like to add to your thought is that in addition to not feeding my kids junk, I refuse to buy my kids ANY video game systems and games. My nephews started playing these games at a very young age, and while they're very bright and have great logic and reasoning skills as well as solid eye/hand coordination, the downside is that's ALL they ever want to do. They have poor conversation and socialization skills, and I think that's a shame. My kids are way too young to even care about this sacrifice, but when they're old enough, if they want to play these games, they'll have to go to their friends' homes. At least I'll be able to manage how often they play games by limiting the amount of time they spend elsewhere. I refuse to buy into materialism and consumerism (no pun intended again). In my opinion, feeding kids video games is like feeding their minds junk food. Just a thought...

I don't drink soda because of a stomach issue, so naturally I don't keep it in my house. My daughter is almost 4 and I don't give it to her. As for candy, she gets in once in a great while. She loves fruit too, and I find it strange that you were called on for this. The way I look at it, if you start off giving them fruit or things like that to snack on, they're less likely to want the candy or whatever later on. Granted, at birthday parties, I have the soda out for the adults. If they insist on giving it to their kids, that's their choice. They'll be the ones to deal w/ the aftermath!

there is nothing wrong with that. we don't buy soda, but they drink it once in a while. they get candy and junk food, but they do eat lots of fruit, veggies, yogurt and other healthy stuff.

I wish that I had done this. My daughter wants Dr Pepper and sprite, and some candy. I'm trying to change her eating habits to want apples, or applesauce, carrots, etc (she can't have grapes) instead of pudding or chips. It's a slow process. Sometimes she goes with it, other times she doesn't. I congratulate you for being able to keep up with it!

I have a 10 month old and I don't even allow him to have juice. I hope to keep this up because juice isn't as nutritious as a piece of fruit. I think of it as the less like it is to the original fruit, the less nutritious it is. I will allow my son to have the occational treat but I don't plan on raising him in a Fast Food Nation kind of way. I applaud your parenting style. I also believe that behavior is very closely related to the foods we put in our children's bodies. I did a little research on the topic while getting my masters degree. It is amazing the difference in children who mostly eat junk and the children who are given mostly healthy choices. I am very passionate about this subject.

i think it is wonderful you are raising kids with good food habits. don't let what other parents are doing question your judgement. i have a 15 month old and i am going to try my hardest to follow in your footsteps and establish good eating habits as well. M.

Hi my name is M. and I just moved to the port orange area. I want to say I think you are doing the right thing about not letting your kids have soda. I have two children, ages 17 and 8, and I am trying to get them off the soda. I have just went to the dentist and had three teeth pulled because of the soda. I wished someone would have told me about the soda a long time ago. So don't worry what everyone else thinks about it, you are doing the right thing.

My 2 1/2 year old only drinks water and soy milk-without sugar. He does not drink any juice. I give him fruit instead. My 7 month old only drink breastmilk.

I don't let my 3 yr. old have soda either. I've told him it's a grown-up drink only. He did have some flat ginger-ale when he was sick to his stomach as I remember that always making my stomach more calm when I was young, but that's it. He also only gets candy on occasion, but otherwise eats healthy. I am constantly amazed and apalled at the junk I see the parents send their kids with at daycare. Don't let the fact that other parents obviously aren't as concerned about their childrens' health make you feel like you're doing anything wrong. Just rest easy knowing that you are doing your kids a great service by teaching them healthy eating habits!

Hi C.,

I wasn�t real clear about what you were asking. If you were wondering if other mom�s don�t give their kids treats and sodas at birthday parties, then, yes, I know some who don�t, and that�s a parenting choice, neither right or wrong. Some kids react *terribly* after a sugar rush.

If you wanted to know if you�ve done something different to encourage your kids to have healthy snacks, then, maybe. Some people - even kids - just don�t like sweets, or certain types of sweets. Good eating habits help, but I personally believe a sweet tooth is something you�re either born with or without.

Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps.

C.
I had the same experience. My kids are a little younger, 4 and 2, and we went to a party this weekend where the ONLY option was cola. I was floored. Whoever heard of a party having only one choice, not even water, for a beverage? Adults don't throw parties like that! Also, they only served pizza, no veggies or fruits.

I'm with you on the soda. I don't give it to my kids. I don't even give Hi-C or anythign because I figure it's the same as soda with out the bubbles. Only juice (100%, diluted), water, or milk. And only candy on a specialty basis. These days it's sorta frequent because of potty training.

My kids took one sip of the cola and said, "THIS IS YUKKY." So, bad manners aside, I'm happy with their choice.

I say good for you, and stick to your guns! I don't think soda is healthy for anyone, though I know it's a veritable staple in a lot of homes.

I too feel like the "weird food family" because I serve whole grains and lots of fresh greens and oranges...I strive to make each meal complete with all food groups in the appropriate serving sizes. I buy organic when I can (I live in a small southern town so organic isn't really available) but I always try for the health food option. Ok occasionally I serve chef boyardee or kids cuisine or somethign, but for the most part it's homemade and healthy. Among my friends I'm definitely the oddball! but their kids don't eat raw spinach or whole wheat noodles or pea pods becuase it's unfamiliar. Mine don't eat kraft macaroni and cheese for the same reason!

Just wanted you to know you're not alone, and you're not wrong.

H.

Hi C.

No your ok I did the same thing when my 2 oldest were little they are now 18 & 16 and we also have a 4 yr old.But whan my oldest were younger we never gave them any soda or candy until they went to school and thats were it all began(parties) but I am very happy to say that their 1st choices are and always have been is water milk or juice(with no suger)now every now and then I see them with a soda maybe 2x a year and thats alot but overall they dont and they really dont miss it Its like the saying goes "you dont miss something you dont have"now they are at an age were there is so much offered to them and I can only hope and pray that they make the right choices.But we as parents must sent the example I myself dont drink soda or eat candy and I wasnt raised that why my mom has the biggest sweet tooth I know but it was never my chioce to have those items and my Mom never forced them on me.And as for our 4yr old well he just loves everything including soda and candy and that one well let me just say thats its a battle with him but thank goodness only with sugar (I guess he got grandmas sweet tooth} but we work with him an I am happy to say that he to will choose juice or milk 1st before a soda (I`m working on the water)we are still working on the candy.So dont change your beliefs I think your doing the right thing.

Jeanette

i think thats great! my son is a bit on the hiper side he is not aloud candy but if hes been good all day i give him a mini hersey bar and he only drinls a sip here and there of soda if e are out but i useally have a cooler with his juices or water he love water. i think its good to hear of parents watching what there kids consume. dentist are exspensive.

dont you worry, you are not the only one!!! my one year old only snacks with yogurt and watermelon or a variety of fruits... NO CANDY ALLOWED yet!!!! I am sure I will give in from time to time as he gets older, but he really enjoys his fruits and veggies for snack and his yogurt!!! keep doing what you are doing b/c is the RIGHT thing!!!