Am I hysterical?

Cheryl - posted on 08/05/2012

stick to your guns. my son is 3 1/2 - he is only allowed water, watered down juice or juice box when we are out and soy milk (he's allergic to milk protein) and that's it - i avoid anything with high fructose corn syrup too. he was allowed lollipops when he tuned 3 and ice pops but is very limited.

Carissa - posted on 08/05/2012

I do not let my children have juice and when they are real little before 3 I put half water half juice. Honestly you might say that you won't let you kid have anything but water and milk but what happens when your kid won't drink milk?? or water....gotta give them something. Best of luck.

Annie Matilda - posted on 08/05/2012

I've been really getting a lot out of this topic I must say!
It's really empowering and it's great to see how people can look past their own experiences and I must say I'm more confident than ever, as to how I want to raise our daughter.
We run our household all organic and well balanced, which is why I don't see any point in doing juice, especially not at such a young age as 2-3. Kids don't know what they're missing, so it's not like we're keeping them from something they need.
I plan on doing the best I can to enforce what I believe is the best for my daughter but I also know that it will get harder, once she is in school, so all I can do is teach her great habits, choices and maybe she will end up making good choices by herself.

I really find this topic really interesting and seeing how different people see the same thing. Some think they've kept their kids away from juice for a long time, at the age of 1, which isn't my point of view at all and others have tweens not drinking juice at all. It's really great and inspiring to see people actually making this happen

Elysia - posted on 08/05/2012

I can not imagine ever giving my 5 year old boys coffee...they have enough energy as is! I used to say I would never give them soda. One of the boys will, on occassion, get a small sprite, but he knows it is a rare treat, not something to drink daily. I do give them juice, maybe once a day. I love giving them real orange juice. They love it and it is very good for them. When they were smaller, I would cut any juice in half with water.
My kids drink organic milk once, sometimes twice a day. Other than that, it is ice water. I make sure to have many pre-filled bottles of cold water that they can grab, and luckily they love it!

Donna - posted on 08/05/2012

Hysterical? I'd say smart. I wish I had done the same thing for my daughter.

Kimberly - posted on 08/05/2012

I completely agree with you. Juice is not a good idea unless it's freshly squeezed, but even then I'd much rather fruit as it has the fiber and other contents that its juice does not. Soda, coffee, and other drinks are much worse and completely unnecessary.

My son has only soy formula and water, and occasionally a little bit of homemade smoothie, which consists only of whole fruit blended with soy formula.

Jacqui - posted on 08/05/2012

You're definitely not being hysterical! I didn't give my now 4 year old juice till she was 1 and that was the heavily diluted stuff. Certainly didin't give her sodas and definitely no coffee! Now at four she doesn't like fizzy soft drinks which is fine by me, and she mostly drinks water, juice and milk and some cordial every now and again. I have a 1 year old now as well and he drinks just water and milk with some diluted juice sometimes. Don't let anyone else tell you how you want to raise your kids no matter what the subject is.

Kelly - posted on 08/05/2012

I think you are doing what's healthy however juice (100%) is not that bad. My children all had jive however it is more like 80% water and 20% juice. These are YOUR children and you're enstilling healthy habits in them right away! Good for you Mommy! All my children love fruits and veggies and people are amazed that my 2 year old adores cucumbers and tomatoes. They often ask "How do you get him to eat that?" and my reply "He's never known different." If others don't agree with you that's fine, they are entitled to their opinion but they should respect it! I applaud you!

Angela - posted on 08/05/2012

I was the same way, and to a degree I still am but I have relaxed a bit. My boys are 8, 8 and 5. Although I did do a tiny bit of juice when my twins were younger. But my other baby didn't even eat solid food until 8 mos. Except if you count that Christmas Eve when my aunt let my (5 month old) baby eat a bite of her ice-cream! You should have seen me come flying across the room. It's a funny story now. I know I am a bit wacko about food, and most of my family knows/knew that about me, except Aunt Kathy, she knows now tho! So I never really got any flack for it. Thankfully, my sister and mother in law see it the way I do too. I eased up with juice, like at birthday parties. Then when my boys were 6 I shared with them a piece of my childhood, Koolaid. They got a happy meal at 6 also, for the first time. My 8 year olds are now allowed to have a soda at a party, if they ask. Usually they choose the juice box instead. When they get soda, they can't even drink a quarter of the can. So I say keep it up mama, she's your daughter and you do what you think is right for your family!

Linda - posted on 08/05/2012

I have older kids and I am pregnant again. I see where you are coming from. I broke with my oldest (who is now almost 13) and he loved his juice (would not drink Milk for anything) and loves water. Now he still loves water, loves milk, but still drinks juice and soda. My 9 yr old would prefer the sugary drinks. I always make sure she has drank water before allowing the sweet stuff. She needs water, and I explain to the kids that water is very important.
Anyhow...long story short...do what you think is best for your kids. I would highly encourage you not to allow your child to the friends house that DO allow their kids to have juices and such without you there. I would not put it past them to give her some...just a thought.

Sharon - posted on 08/05/2012

My granddaughter is 4 1/2 and she drinks water or milk. Once in a blue moon mom will let her have "summer drink" which is a little bit of lemonade in a glass of water. She's thinks she's getting a real treat. You don't NEED to give your kids juice--if you don't want to then stick to your guns. It's better for them to have the whole fruit anyway. As they get older I'm sure there will be situations where they will get juices and sodas--I don't think you can keep them away from it forever. But there's no need to start them on it early.

Jill - posted on 08/05/2012

My daughter is 3. She gets water, milk, smoothies and watered down juice (1/2 and 1/2). Every so often if we are out somewhere she gets lemonade, fruit punch or apple juice in the box (obviously not watered down).



I would NEVER give her coffee until she's at least 16. Soda, I'm not sure on yet. Maybe as the rare (like 1 time a month) treat after she's 6 or maybe older.

Nykee - posted on 08/05/2012

I don't see anything wrong with it. My best friend is much more strict when it comes to dietary restrictions with her kids than I am. I tease her about it, and she teases me - but it's all in good fun. We all have to do what is best for our kids. Kudos to you for not allowing yourself to be pushed from your practice.

I have a 7 month old boy, a newly 3 year old girl, and a newly 4 year old girl. They drink milk and watered down juice (2/3 water, 1/3 juice) and only 100% juice (no hi-c or kool aid or anything like that). When we go out to restaurants, I'll let them try a sip of my soda. I feel like a sip isn't going to do them any harm, and they feel like they're getting a special treat. I don't keep soda in the house, so going out is a treat. When my family gets together, we all have coffee after dinner. I'll get them their own tiny cups, and put a little sip of coffee in it, then fill it with milk. Again, they feel like big kids getting a treat, and no harm done. I would never criticize someone for not doing these things, though.

There's a lot of pressure from certain groups to raise your kids the way they want you to. The fact is that you're the parent. As long as their nutritional needs are being met, and they're healthy, I don't think anyone has the right to belittle you.

A good point a friend of mine pointed out is that her family always ate organic and very healthy. She mostly does this with her daughter (2 1/2 years old), but she lets her have some less healthy things (pizza, etc) because when she left her parents house and tried to go out with friends, she'd get very sick from the less healthy foods offered in public places. So, it's good to eat healthy and teach her that healthy food is good - but be mindful that when she wants to go to McDs with her friends, she may get sick.

CINDY - posted on 08/05/2012

No I think your right on the soda. Me personally juice is ok as long as its diluted. Or try buying a juicer and make you own juice. That way you it's all natural!

Andrea - posted on 08/05/2012

A small glass of watered down lmonade isn't a terrible thing. But I ALWAYS bring my own drinks with me when out. Or I have no problem giving my kids water while the rest drink pop! If you raise them to not drink it, they don't even ask for it. It's easier then you think.

Patricia - posted on 08/04/2012

What is so bad about kids having a drink of lemonade once in a while and you can still give them water and milk, what about when they go to birthdays and other kids are having fsoda and they have to drink water?

Beth - posted on 08/04/2012

agree with you, my older kids had it when younger. Think CAVITIES! My grandson we are water and milk only he's 17 mo now and loves water! Much better to not start a bad habit,

Michelle - posted on 08/04/2012

My daughter is 2, I didnt want her having soda but it ended up happening. We started by giving her watered down juice and now she only gets it when she wants it which isnt every day (and its not watered down anymore). In terms of soft drink (Soda) she haves it from fast food places occasionally and when she doesnt she either gets it watered down at home (or wherever we are) or she only gets a small amount, and soft drink is a rariety as well. I would never give her coffee (or soda with caffeine in it) this young as I have heard caffeine affects their growth, not to mention it isnt very healthy and I wont be letting her have it or normal tea (she can have herbal tea) until she is an older teen (15/16) although my partner and I are yet to discuss this. Do what you think is right and if your hubby doesnt agree then try and make a compromise that you are ok with.



Elizabeth Warfield there is absolutly no need to call anyone and idiot because of their choice! Just because you dont agree with it there is no need for name calling. You are just as bad as her friends and anyone else that judges those that choose to not allow their children to do something or do something that you do not. Thats just closed minded behaviour.

Jo - posted on 08/04/2012

I agree with you. Sweet drinks just doesnt affect their baby teeth coming thru it aslo affects their 2nd teeth. Watered down juice with a meal because it doesnt sit on their teeth as they are eating. B Coffee etc in some countries thats the norm but u do what you need to do.

Elizabeth - posted on 08/04/2012

Nothing but milk and water. My girls only get goats milk because it's gentle on the tummy. Lady, YOU ARE RIGHT! Don't you dare doubt you. Your friends are idiots. Juice has so much sugar and unless it's organic or fresh squeezed, it's just additional pesticides and potentially genetically modified ingredients too that are made into juice from concentrate. What is that really? Have you read what the concentration process does to our juice? It's gross and not at all healthy for us. More and more sugar. Don't even get me started on soda. And diet???? That's a neurotoxin straight into your little baby's brain.
Our food industry is really atrocious right now. It's our job as mothers to protect our kids by being armed with information. If your friends and sisters are too lazy to do the research to protect their own children, that's their choice. Don't you ever let them second guess your sound and intuitive mind, that knows better. Do your research so when you get ganged up on, you can spout facts and have a source.
Nobody, and I mean nobody can or will protect your children better than you. The world is not a kind place to raise healthy children. We have epidemic after epidemic in this country and the chemical world we live in is to blame. Juice, soda, coffee have too much crap for a little child. Just by posting this question you already show that you are willing to be a warrior mom. Keep it up, I know it's hard. I had to cut people out of my life because they chose to take my food choices personally and were offended when I wouldn't change my good reasons.
That's just insane. One site that is helpful is Dr. Mercola, and their are plenty of sites with articles on the toxins in soda and juice. Do a google search and you'll be armed with plenty of info to shove in anyone's face if they question your sanity. I question theirs.
And also because I rarely ever give the kids sugar at all, they refuse juice when it's offered because it is just too sweet.

Andrea - posted on 08/04/2012

I do give my preschooler and toddler juice. However, it's always mixed 50/50 with water and I only purchase unsweetened juice, no matter what kind it is. There is enough natural fruit sugars in REAL juice to give them the sweetness. I will NOT give them pop, iced tea, lemonade, etc....due to the caffine/sugar content.

I believe it is our job, as parents, to give our growing children the best possible diet that will help them grow and thrive. They will have plenty of time, when they are older, to make their own decisions on what to eat/drink. Until then, it's my call. I agree with the comments on occasion won't hurt anything.......but on the other hand.....what good does it do? I don't drink a lot of pop and my life isn't laking anything:) I do buy the PC carbonated juice. No sugar added. So we call it POP in our house. Take a look, that could be an option for you too. We use this, on occasion, instead of real pop. But all it is, is 100% fruit juice that is carbonated. Waaaaay better choice I think:)

Hey if your looked at as crazy............then I'm a complete nut case:) Stand your ground!!

Maya - posted on 08/04/2012

I agree with you. If your kids eat fruits, they don't need juice. You can even make your own juice in a juicer. Soda is artificial and no one should drink those chemicals, especially children. Keep it natural. That's true love for your kids!

Stephanie - posted on 08/04/2012

People need to quite harassing each other and see that there are some things that are simply just preferences drinks, bedtimes, nursing and how long, co-sleeping are all good examples. Every family is different. Now I will answer question. My kid 6 and 7 years have a little bit of everything. I can't remember how old they were when they had juice for the first time. Probably around 3 or so. Now that being said. When I give my kids juice it is not full juice, I water it 1/2 water 1/2 juice. They were older before they had soda. We keep soda more as a treat. If we go to a birthday party or friends BBQ. Even when we go out to dinner as a family my kids usually drink, water, milk, juice or occasionally lemonade (we prefer real lemonade). As for coffee I will admit that now that my kids are a bit older we share sips, but I would be insane to give them their own cup. They have enough energy as it is. You are the parent of your child it is your responsibility to seek out information and make a decision on what is best for you child and your family. Once you have done that forget about everybody else and their long noses.

Amy - posted on 08/04/2012

I don't think you are being hysterical. It is a personal preference. I think the practice that was pretty common, when my kids were younger, where the child's sippy cups and bottles contained juice most of the time...was a very bad practice. I never did this with my kids. Occasionally they would have some juice, but mostly milk and water. I never freaked out about them having juice, soda etc as they were growing up, but I watched many of my friends adamantly refuse these drinks to their kids of the same age. It seems that my laid back attitude about it may have been better received, because watching all the same kids as teenagers...my kids rarely want soda, coffee drinks or juice, and the ones who were refused can't seem to get enough of these beverages. My 4 teenage boys prefer water, tea (unsweetened), and occasionally milk or orange juice for breakfast, and between all of them have had 2 cavities.

Tanya - posted on 08/04/2012

I have never given my children (7.5 and 5 years) any kind of soda and I don't intend to. They get watered down juice which has 0.6 gms of sugar in it - it is a cordial type juice and I get the one that has the least amount of colour. They have a very healthy diet of fruit and vegies which I'm very proud of. They get the occasional glass of diet lemonade at my Father's house but I don't mind as it's not a daily thing. Perhaps when my children are in their teens I might change my mind and let them have it as a treat, but until then I'd rather keep them and their teeth healthy!

Linda - posted on 08/04/2012

Hi Annie, I am a mother and child health nurse and also a naturopath. You are absolutely RIGHT!
To take the stand you are and are offering your child the best. All of these other drinks will give your daughter a sweet tooth, a liking for sweetened drinks. It is better to eat whole fruit. Juice and fizzy drinks are bad for the teeth. Of course it is reasonable at some point to allow these drinks as a very special treat, but you are being very caring by avoiding these as regular dietary sources of fluids and not regular items in the fridge and pantry.
WELL DONE! 

Stifler's - posted on 08/03/2012

I think juice is okay in moderation. I didn't give my kids juice until after 1 though and still get it half juice half water. My 2.5 year old has a few sips of our soft drink but I don't let him have whole cans of it or whole glasses of it.

Nicole - posted on 08/03/2012

I agree with you. I stay away from juice and refuse to let anyone give my 2 1/2 year old son soda. I think him having soda will just hurt him in the long run. I don't feel the same about juice. When he gets juice it is the gerber kind that has carrots in it and he usually gets it because he is having digestion issues. I also dilute it about 2:1 with water. It really helps when they are constipated or have gas. If you little one drinks water really well you may be able to avoid giving him juice forever. My son really only sips water and I can't get enough in him to help when he has a tummy ache.

Tracie - posted on 08/03/2012

Hi ya I have 4 children 2 boys who are now 20 and 21yrs old a daughter who is 11 going on 12yrs old and the youngest my son who is 16 months with all my children none of them have had soda until they were 5 and even then it was from friends and family but with juice I have given them that but never in the evening as I think the sugers in the jucie would rot their teeth when they bed down for the night. (I hope that helps) and also theres nothing wrong with being coutious when your children are invloved).

Shayla - posted on 08/03/2012

I agree with you.

Diane - posted on 08/03/2012

It is up to the parents to decide what they want their children to have. Soda is never good for any child, it is full of sugar and empty calories. Juice is better but only on occasion, it is also full of sugar but at least it has a few vitamins in it. Plain water and milk is best with the occasional glass of juice after the age of 3 for a special treat.

Mimi - posted on 08/03/2012

I completely agree with you. I'm not 100% strict, now that my girls are 12 and 10. But I do only offer water at meals. There is no need for all that sugar. Good luck!

Dove - posted on 08/03/2012

I know soda is crap for the teeth, but I just thought I would add a bit of interesting, personal info.... My kids who have had soda on occasion have never yet had a cavity (last kid only has one baby tooth left to lose). Yet my kid who can't stand soda and has only had a sip of it 2-3 times.... has had 5 cavities and he's not yet old enough to lose any baby teeth. :) And yes, we brush his teeth daily just like the others.

Threenorns - posted on 08/03/2012

juice, milk, water, all fine - soda, she only got flat ginger ale when she was sick. she had her first taste of coca-cola when she was about 3 and didn't care for it at all. the pictures were SO funny i put them up on facebook.



juice is okay - just pick the good ones: fruit and vegetable blends of 100% juice, for example. if you're worried about desensitization of taste, pick bland ones like pear.



caffeinated beverages do not have the same effect on toddlers as they do on adults - caffeine is a stimulant and in children, it usually has the effect of making them tired (it's the same class as ritalin, if you think about it). it's still not good for them, though, as it's superhard for their delicate kidneys to process - takes 3x longer to process than adults. that's why pregnant women should avoid it: if they keep drinking coffee, by the end of the day, the baby's got a massive dose built up in its blood compared to the mother which can lead to, f.ex, meconium aspiration if the caffeine stimulates the digestive tract and gives them intrauterine diarrhea.

Bernadette - posted on 08/03/2012

Oh, and I used to give my daughter pear juice when she was constipated. The stuff we gave her though was 100%, no added sugar or anything. Thinking of giving it to my son now too, as he has a bit of trouble with constipation too. Although a handful of sultanas in his porridge at breakfast seems to help too.

Bernadette - posted on 08/03/2012

I did not let my kids have anything else for the first year. They are now 16 months a 3 years old and still don't often have anything else. Sometimes when we are out I'll let them have a small flavoured milk. Very occasionally the three year old has juice. She has had lemonaide a couple of times, but that was other people giving it to her. I don't think you are hysterical at all, but merely looking out for your child's nutritional and dental health. It's unbelievable the number of kids with rotten teeth, and their parents can't understand how it happened.

Mailisha - posted on 08/03/2012

You are right on, Mama! My two girls (age 4 yrs and 20 months) only drink milk and water on a daily basis. We allow a bit of juice on special occasions (just like decadent desserts are rare), but in NO WAY is it a regular thing. We also limit "junk food," such as graham crackers (check the ingredients!) and goldfish crackers. On special occasions the girls can have a bit of it -and boy is it a huge treat when they get to! Mostly we focus on feeding ourselves wholesome, nutritious food on a daily basis. Bonus points for growing and harvesting it yourself! :-)

Danielle - posted on 08/03/2012

I agree with the soda part. My son is allowed to have it on special occasions. My son liked juice but we stopped giving it to him this year. (He's 10)

Michelle - posted on 08/03/2012

water and milk is all kids need. Juice and softdrinks can rot kids teeth. I can tell you I have seen a 3 year old with rotten black teeth and I thought you poor kid.

Beki - posted on 08/03/2012

I think we tend to give kids juices, sodas, gatorade, etc because we like the variety of choices and we as adults crave them. I'm strongly against kids drinking soda, coffee, or drinks loaded with sugar. I do give my 3 year old juices and tea but I know it's because I like to drink them and it's a natural habit to give them to my daughter. My stepson is 15 and drinks mainly milk and water and refuses to drink soda. My 13 yr old son is only allowed one soda a week but of course when he visits other family they let him drink soda all the time. Don't be too paranoid about giving kids drink options, you'll just make the kid paranoid later in life. You are a smart mom making healthy decisions for your child, everything is fine as long as it is moderation. If it makes you feel better my 13 year old was raised on sugar (sorry I was a teen mom and didn't know better) but still ate his vegetables and he's a straight A student for the entire year and is athletic. My 15 year old who doesn't drink unhealthy stuff is not the best student as is unfit. I just try to educate them on making smart choices when it comes to what they put in their body.

Joelle - posted on 08/03/2012

My daughter is 5 and only drinks milk and water. That is all I ever gave her since a baby and I am proud of that. You are her mother and you do what you feel is best for your daughter. I also get slack from my family some days on what I feed and give my daughter. But in the end it is what I am comfortable with. Good luck!

Cheri - posted on 08/03/2012

I completely agree with you for the most part. There is absolutely no reason at all for a child to have soda. Why start them down that path? There is nothing good in soda to benefit the body. I only drink it on occasion too. Mine will not have it at all until they are older and make the choice to drink it, but it probably won't be at my house. Juice, on the other hand, has its benefits like vitamin C, but if your kids get vitamin C from veggies, then who cares. I always watered down the apple juice before giving it to them though.
I'm also the same way with sweets. Why introduce them to candy so early? There is no reason. If they've never had it, they won't ever miss it. Once they get older, its bound to happen because of birthday parties, halloween, etc.. and thats when I just try to limit how much they eat. The earlier we start kids on healthy eating, the better they'll eat as adults and may not have to worry about such problems as obesity, diabetes or just poor health in general.

Jenn - posted on 08/03/2012

My daughter has a friend who, at age 8, still never drinks anything but water at parties. She is fine with it, other kids are fine with it. Water is nature's juice as my five year old tells me :)

Juice is terrible for teeth and can wreck havoc on tummies. Even milk isn't good for teeth if given in a bottle or sippy cup! If you don't want juice or soda in your Child's life, good for you! Neither are necessary or good for ANYONE!

Kathy - posted on 08/03/2012

My kids started getting juice occassionally at about 4 months. Grandma decided to help my eldest sleep though the night by putting cereal in his bottle. All it did was plug him up and he got prune juice to help him unplug. My youngest breast feed until he was a year. He did not get juice until he was about a year old. Neither boy was given soda until they made root beer floats in summer camp at age five. It is ultimately your choice. My boys don't like soda nor do they drink it like their friends or cousins. I will not let them drink or eat anything with any artificial sweeteners in it as well.

Mazy - posted on 08/03/2012

Nope. Not hysterical at all! My kids, 3 & 1.5 have NEVER had soda...and they won't for as long as I can possibly keep it from them. I know they *will* taste it, especially once they are school aged, but we will never keep it in the house, so it will be special occasions only. As for juice, I am very strict about it. I add just a splash to a cup of water, really only enough to change the color of the water, and 99% of the time it is juice that I have juiced myself (veggie-fruit combos). I've never put it in a sippy though. I always felt that if they were so young that they needed a sippy, then they were too young for juice! Both of them handle cups well, but almost never ask for juice. Instead they are thrilled with the concept of ice cubes in their water & the fact that I add lemons, mint or basil leaves to the water pitcher.

Stick to your guns momma....you're doing a good thing for your kids :)

Alexandra - posted on 08/03/2012

I do not think you are histerical at all.
I think this is a personal choice and noboy has anything to do with it.
I, personally, give a little decaf in the milk for breakfast, along with Neskquick, because my kids love the taste. And yes, I do offer some soda sometimes, and juice everyday. But this is my choice.
Do not let anybody upset you with these names-calling. You do what is best for you and your family.

Jennifer - posted on 08/03/2012

My son is 5 and he has not been allowed soda. His uncle has offered it to him but because he is not used to it he doesnt like it. He did not have juice before his 1st birthday and afterwards i had been watering it down. Unfortunatly i could not control his grandparents who took care of him while i worked and the watering down didnt last as long as i would have liked. So i tried comprimising, and said if he is to get full strength juice it should only be with lunch or dinner. That certainly was a nice idea on my part though not a reality. He has had a cavity filled today and has to go back again to get another filled. He doesnt get to eat candy so i know its because he has been allowed to drink alot of juice. Its best to teach them healthy habits when they are young.

Sherri - posted on 08/03/2012

@Christine how do you get around that at a birthday party or gathering when the only thing offered is soda especially at 8yrs old? Especially since as they get older and get invited to more and more things you will dropping them off and not staying to supervise.

Sherri - posted on 08/03/2012

Yes I think not giving juice for a special occasion starting around 3 is over the top. I am not advocating for soda or coffee at that age, no. However, for a special occasion yes juice would be more than okay. You really should bend a little bit on this one.

Sara - posted on 08/03/2012

When appropriate, I would give my boys at age 1 or older, juice, but cut in 1/2 with water.
They would also get the occassional brewed sun tea when visiting my parents.