My 2-year old is addicted to Coca-Cola

Jennifer - posted on 03/15/2011

I see that everyone is asking that you ask the grandfather not to bring it home, but if that does not work, then you just need to grin and bear it. Just keep him from getting it. He will throw a fit, but he needs to learn that he cannot have everything he wants. My almost 2 year old has had a taste of pop by accident, but he knows he is not allowed to have it, unless it is given to him. Our pediatrician told us that if he has an upset tummy and is vomiting that WATERED DOWN Srite is okay to give. The lemon lime in it helps sooth the stomach, and we give him Diet at that. At 2 years old, it is not ideal to let him have this type of drink, as it creates bad habits starting at a young age. I allow him to have juice, but it is again diluted. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as you brush their teeth as recommended by a dentist. ANYTHING that a child eats can ruin their teeth, not just sweets. So, consider that when you are told that it will rot their teeth out, I have seen those that have absolutely no sweets get cavities due to lack of dental hygiene. It has also been linked to a genetic factor as far as how the teeth are. Anyway, that aside you are the parent and he is the child. Put your foot down and say no...and follow through with it. If you allow him to do this now and get away with it, he will not learn that he is not able to have everything he wants. Making the grandfather give it up may be a bit extreme. He should not have to give up his caffeine or Coke because your child throws a fit. I have seen kids in public throw a fit and parents cave way too much. I have been guilty of this myself, but then I take a look back and realize that I have to start the process now when they are throwing their fits. You are in control, not him. He learns from you and what you will/will not allow. If you allow this now, he will take that as a sign that all he has to do is throw a fit or temper tantrum and he gets his way. Stand your ground, and it may take a few days but he will learn that you are in control and not him. He is too young to have a say so...even if it tastes good and grandfather has it. Would you allow him chocolate just because you have it? If not, then he needs to learn now. As far as all the other advice is concerned, they are all correct because there is not right/wrong answer, it is what is best fit for you and your child. For me, I allow watered down sprite in occasions that his tummy is upset, and watered down juice. But he is required so many sippy cups of milk and water a day too...so he has a balance. Hope this helps.

Rhenna - posted on 03/15/2011

Don't give I'm the coke. There problem solved. Tell his Grandfather to stop buying it. My kids don't dronk softdrinks. I think they are too young.

Jennifer - posted on 03/15/2011

Stop giving it to him. Soda is filled with soo much sugar and other unnatural ingredients. Stick with 100% juice water and milk. Tell grandpa to bring home soemthng else like stickers or somethng (if he feels the need to give something to your son when he sees him).

Shonda - posted on 03/15/2011

Just don't give it to him. I don't want to sound rude but you are the parent in this situation and you reserve the up-most right to tell your child "NO". If he throws a fit than he throws a fit but he needs to learn that it's not a good choice and it's not up to him to determine what he gets to drink. I believe that your kids should learn to make their own choices but at the same time if it's not a healthy choice than you need to step in and say "that's not a good for your body, you can have this or this" and give him different options. If you don't keep it in the house then it won't be hard to tell him "NO".
The caffeine isn't good for him. The sugar isn't good for him. The acid isn't good for him.

Christine - posted on 03/15/2011

Why would you ever give a child that young SODA???? That is a start to a poor diet. Do not buy it, do not have it in your house. Show your child how to live a healthy lifestyle. Dont allow ANYONE to give your child soda.

Casey - posted on 03/15/2011

What the hell were you or anyone else in your family thinking by giving your 2 year old coke in the first place, it's so full of sugar and caffine I would never give my child that crap no matter how much they demanded it, just remember your the parent not your two year old so put your damn foot down and say no thats the only way your going to this crap.

Jessie - posted on 03/15/2011

Yikes! I agree with just about everyone else, tell grandpa to stop bringing them into the house. It will probably take a while for him to stop asking for them, but just be firm. I've had to tell the grandparents absolutely no sodas for our kids and if they ever give them any, they will be banned from our house completely. It may sound harsh but I don't want our kids to think sodas are a normal thing. Occasionally when they are much older they can be a special treat, but not a daily or even weekly habit.

Dianne - posted on 03/15/2011

you really need to put a stop to it my daughter is 16 months and there is no way she will have soft drink until she is at least 3 and then it will be a special treat not a every day thing she loves water and il continue to encourage her love of water i dont drink coke so there is no way she will lemonade is slightly better than coke. I would just stop it it might be a hard few days for you but thats the best option tell his grandfather to stop bringing coke home and if he does bring it home throw it away its your child and you do what you think is best for your child if it upsets his grandfather too bad he should know better than to bring coke home every day thats just wrong my daughter dosnt have grandparents and i think its for the best by the sounds of things

Audrey - posted on 03/15/2011

i always aid my kids wouldnt get pop til they were like 5 but of course that didnt happen. my girl is 18m and doesnt really know what it is so i dont have to worry about her right now but my boy is 3 and he likes it. i will sometimes let him have a sip or 2 from my cup but other than that if he wants some i let him see me pour a tiny trickle into his cup and then fill the rest of his cup with water. he still thinks hes getting pop but its really just barely enought to flavor it. and he doesnt ask very often so it works for us. as much pop as it sounds like your boy is getting though is really not healthy. you just need to tell him no and go on, even if he screams for it. its for his own good.

Brittany - posted on 03/15/2011

You have to be strong and weign(spelling?) him off of it. My son who is almost three was that way also but I talked to his dr. and I started giving him watered down soda. I would give 1/3 soda and the rest water that way he could still taste it yet it wasnt as bad as a full soda. This lasted about a month and finally he stopped wanting it. Good luck!!

Lisa - posted on 03/15/2011

Oh Grandparents! That is so awkward- are you comfortable in asking grandpa to only maybe give him Coke on special occasions? And make it like a special thing? Maybe find gatorade or another tasty drink that you are more comfortable with him having on a more regular basis and ween him off? Good luck

Micaela - posted on 03/15/2011

Tell his grandfather not to bring it, or if he does ignore you and does bring it, then open the bottle and tip it down the sink right in front of him. He won't keep buying it if you keep getting rid of it so blatantly. The only way to stop it is to be firm, tip the coke out, don't have it in the house any longer than you need to. Two is way to young to be having coke, especially on such a regular basis, it's not just the sugar it's the caffiene as well that will be doing him harm.



Some Grandparents (my own inlaws are the same) think that it's their job to spoil the kids and that it's funny trying to get away with it, also that they know best. I don't mind the 'treats' occasionally, but every single day? Way too much :( I have had many arguments with them over lollies when my babeis were only 6 months etc and it drives me insane. I don't care what they say about me, or how angry they get, they end up the being the ones who are acting like spoilt kids having tantrums over not getting thier way. .Stay firm, get angry if you have to but put your childs health first and put a stop to the coke once and for all.

Rachel - posted on 03/15/2011

I had the same problem. You must cut it out cold turkey. At first you will have to deal with a temper tantrum or five but dont give in! a little of patience is all it takes. i look at it like this....you wouldnt keep giving ur child cigarettes even if he cried for them so dont give them soda....neither have any health benefits that why i give that comparison!

Christine - posted on 03/15/2011

Can I inject a little sanity into this conversation? Your son isn't addicted. He is at the age where when he finds something he likes, he asks for it all the time, as I'm sure you can attest to with other things. Right now, his "obsession" (for lack of a better word) is Coke. No, it's not good that he has it everyday. You need to tell your father or your husband's father that you don't mind him giving your son Coke once a week (you will have to stipulate specifically what once in awhile is), but no more. He's going to rot your kid's teeth out before he has a chance. If Grandpa has a problem with your rules, you may have to be a little snide and tell him to deal with it. It's not easy, I know. I've had to put my foot down with my father who thinks nothing of pouring chocolate down the throat of my 20 month old when she is allergic to chocolate. He was irritated with me for a day, then got over it. You also have to remember that Grandpa comes from an era when Coke was drank indiscriminately without realizing how unhealthy it is. "Moderation" wasn't a word that generation heard directed at food and drink. I wish you luck. Don't worry, your son will find something new to drool over soon. LOL!

Sasha - posted on 03/15/2011

This comment breaks my heart. You are his mum and get veto over everything that goes into his body. His grandfather is totally out of line here. We spent 3 weeks with my in-laws over xmas and every single day it was a battle with them. As it was xmas there was a lot of junk food in the house. I was called 'mean' every single day at least once (and often publicly) by my MIL for not giving my 1 year old any junk food. I'd eat it in front of him but provide him with a healthy althernative and because he's never known junk food he didn't even feel he was missing out. This is your child and you (and the child's father) are the only one (s) who have the right to say what goes into your child's body. We have to protect them. Be strong and confident in your choices and let the grandfather know in no uncertain terms that enough is enough. Good luck :)

Jaimee - posted on 03/15/2011

a 2 year old shouldn't be drinking any kind of soda, immediately stop giving him that horrible stuff !!!

Misty - posted on 03/15/2011

Hi. My suggestion would be to tell him that he can't have soda. I am sure it will be really hard at first but he will get used to it. It's kind of like sugar with my son (he is 7 years old). He wants dessert after EVERY meal (I blame myself). But when I decided to not allow it anymore it was very hard for him but he no longer has it after each meal. Another piece of advice would be to talk with his grandfather. Even if the grandfather brings soda around the house that doesn't mean he has to give it to your small child.
My 7 year old has had Sprite no more than 5 times in his life and he only drank it because his best friend likes it. He does not like the strong bubbliness (not sure if that's a word, lol). Good luck and be strong!

Stacy - posted on 03/15/2011

hello its also full of sugar and caffiene!!!!!!!!!!! my 2 yr old rarely gets pop just as a treat

Ashlea - posted on 03/15/2011

I totally agree with you Carmine. I have a 18 month old and he drinks only milk, choc milk, or water as well. So, much better for them.

Ashlea - posted on 03/15/2011

I have a 18 month old and he knows what coke is but I will NOT give it to him no matter what. I hardly give him juice either mostly because of rotting teeth. I've seen too many bad things happen with young toddlers having soda/juice. I think you should probably stop giving him soda. You're probably going to have to do it cold turkey.

Kelly - posted on 03/15/2011

This is a situation that you have to take care of soon. My daughter is 7 and I do not allow her to have anything with caffeine and I always encourage water and juices. The problem seems to be that this is affecting his health and if he has a sugar or caffeine addiction you shouldn't take him off it cold turkey. I would recommend lowering his intake, maybe you could start with watering it down or just lowering the dosage slowly until he is off it. Try to find something that he likes as much as coke that is healthier to make the transition easier but remember at any age a person can have caffeine withdraws and at 2 I would think it would be much harder on him than an adult.

Candice - posted on 03/15/2011

Ummm, are you not the parent to this child? If so, you should be the one making the rules and if you say no coke then its no coke. If it is your child then YOU need to make sure everyone else follows YOUR rules with YOUR child. When did it become ok for kids to decide how to parent themselves?? Parents need to take the time to actually parent THEIR children.

Cameo - posted on 03/15/2011

Soda is sooo bad for your little guy! Talk to his grandfather and tell him that the coke has to stop. He will probably go through some withdraws but give it a week and he'll be fine. I only give my son diluted 100% juice, milk and water and he is almost 2.

Robyn - posted on 03/15/2011

Tbh, coke is about the worst thing for him to be drinking, soak a dirty 1p or 2p in it, or even leave a piece of raw meat in a glass of it over night, the results are quite shocking.
I have some friends who have a 6 year old, although his knowledge may be starting to change since he started school, he has always believed that coke is a "dirty grown-up drink" and I intend to teach my son the same thing.
My little one is currently 17mo. and only drinks full fat milk, water, weak sugar-free vimto or the sugar-free juices that they have at the local childrens' play centre.

Carmine - posted on 03/15/2011

I read that too but we use the powdered stuff, she barely gets a tsp in her milk, just for a different taste.

Jessica - posted on 03/15/2011

If your worried about too much sugar with juice i water down my kid juice and she only gets juice once or twice a week

Jessica - posted on 03/15/2011

Soda is horrible for kids. It rots kids teeth. You should Never give a baby soda. Give water or juice!

Sarah - posted on 03/15/2011

Carmine - some chocolate milks have just as much sugar as a can of softdrink i saw it while watching jamie oliver's food revolution i was shocked because i sometimes allow my son to have flavoured milk...not anymore

Carmine - posted on 03/15/2011

I would advise him (the grandfather) of the situation and that he needs to stop having pop around your LO. My daughter is 25.5 months and has never had a sip of pop, since we potty trained she doesn't drink juices either, just milk, chocolate milk and water (juice is FULL of sugars and goes right through).

Sarah - posted on 03/15/2011

Siobahn - diet coke still has caffeine and thats where the major addiction comes from

Siobhan - posted on 03/15/2011

Give him diet coke, yes its still bad but not as bad as normal coke, my had a simillar prob wiv my sister when she was a bit younger, your best bet is if you arent able to stop the coke altogether then get him to drink diet coke instead.

Kelly - posted on 03/14/2011

My 4 year old gets pop e couple times a week , but it is a small glass & when she finishes it she gets water, & I keep water bottles in the fridge were she can reach & so unless we are sitting down to dinner she won't even ask for anything but water

Erin - posted on 03/14/2011

I'd advise against giving it to him at all. Not only is the acid bad for him but the sugar and caffeine is as well. I've seen children with rotten teeth from drinking soda, tea and juice. If you must I would at least add water to it. I did that with all juices I gave to my son until he started school probably. Talk to your child's pediatrician for more of the health risks. And definitely talk to grandpa to stop the madness!!

Carrie - posted on 03/14/2011

I have the same problem but my daughter is 4. My grandparents bring her coke all the time and she is now addicted. She also wakes up begging for coke and throws tantrums over it. We just took her for a dental check up and she now has 2 cavaties. I know it is from the coke. After telling my grandparents 20 times to stop giving her coke, I had to end up really having to put my foot down and they have stopped but they say things to my daughter about me not letting her have it and thats why they can't give her any. My husband and I have to sneak around if we want to sneak a coke in. We're still trying to keep her from drinking coke when she gets a Happy Meal at McDonalds because she screams "COKE" into the speaker at the drive thru. HA! But really you need to take charge now!!

Shannen - posted on 03/14/2011

Wow my 4 yr old has never had coke. I can't believe the grandfather is allowed to give it him.

Charlie - posted on 03/14/2011

Kori said : Coca-cola isn't really like a drug if you stop him cold turkey he might get grouchy...maybe even get a head ache...but it won't hurt him...just stop giving him coke.

Kori , Coke contains high amounts of caffine which is MOST CERTAINLY a drug , it is addictive and at the rate that this child is addicted he needs to be weaned from his addiction like any other drug .

Kathy - posted on 03/14/2011

As well as the ingredients in Coke, which everyone has mentioned. there is also the addiction aspect. You have to talk to his grandfather, and don't mince words. Tell him you will not have him giving Coke to your son.
As fot your son's addiction, that will be hard, but you have to bite the bullett a nd not give in. All the best xx

Kylie - posted on 03/14/2011

I am in complete and udder shock about even comptemplating giving soda to a child! Its bad enough for adults, let alone the statistics it has in respect of obesity & diabetes. You only have to walk down the street, to see what unhealthy foods & drinks do to the human body - especially in the Western World! Its not the childs fault nor really his descision on what he has to drink, you are the provider of nutrition which will utimately reflect the outcome of his health in years to come. A child only reeally requires milk & water - juice is still full of sugars with little if none nutritional value, nutrition comes from the healthy diet which YOU can only provide him. Grandpa needs an attitude adjustment when it comes to the health of your child!

Sarah - posted on 03/14/2011

@Jody - or if Grandma is around get her onto grandpa...my grandmother is forever telling my granddad "you're not supposed to be eating that Arthur" or "Arty the doctor said no you'll get sick again and i won't be going up to the hospital" it makes me laugh when she nags him

Jody-Maree - posted on 03/14/2011

I have not read every reply. We all know that soft drinks are not good for children or adults, the ingredients list is scary. If you want to make it a gradual and easy change for everyone - you, child and granpa - reduce the amount of soft drink by making it 'special'. I like the shot glass idea, maybe also freeze some in an ice cube tray and put it a small glass of water (child still is getting the 'experience' with much diluted effect). Or other ways to reduce the comsumption of soft drink. Ask Grandpa to bring home a small non food treat occasionally (stickers, etc). I think grandpa is allowed to drink what he please, just needs to modifiy - put the soft drink in a bag to bring it in the house, use a coloured glass for drinking (not see through glass). This way the child is unaware and grandpa still has his coke. Get Grandpa on side by saying you need to reduce how much the child is drinkin - turn it into a game (what has grandpa got today? - on look it's a new fruit - kiwi fruit, let's all try it) . If you want to avoid confrontation and modifiy habits in a slower manner that children may adjust to better, in my opinion, I think this could work.

Kori - posted on 03/14/2011

Coca-cola isn't really like a drug if you stop him cold turkey he might get grouchy...maybe even get a head ache...but it won't hurt him...just stop giving him coke, you can give him a substitute like juice or milk which he might not want at first but if you stick to your guns sooner or later he will realize that that is all he is getting and he will want that!

Beth - posted on 03/14/2011

You need to tell his grandpa to stop giving him Coke. Its bad for his teeth and yeah, he doesnt need all that sugar everyday, and the caffeine. My daughter is 18 months and has never even had a sip of soda, and I wont let her until shes at least 6

Heather - posted on 03/14/2011

STOP. Don't let him have it. It's HORRIBLE for him! You're the parent, put your foot down.

Janice - posted on 03/14/2011

You are the Mom, dont give it to him. give him watr in the middle of the night. He wont want to drink it but he will either start or at least stop asking for soda. Soda is one of the worst things you can put in your body. I drnk it but I dont let my 16 mo. old.

Allie - posted on 03/14/2011

I agree with @ Samantha, I also believe that it is our job as parents to teach healthy lifestyles and eating habits... I also believe that if you ask the child's grandfather to not give your child sodas/drink sodas in front of him, he should respect your opinion as the parent.

I have a 2.5 year old (3 in June) and to my knowledge he's tasted soda (by him sneaking a drink of mine or my husbands) at most 3 times. He's almost 3 and we don't give him an actual juice box except for special occasions, because we still water down his juices....



I literally just read (about two minutes ago) a statistic that childhood cavities have increased by 20% since 1990s and that 50% of children will have a cavity or filling between ages 5-9.... I would attribute that to the mass consumption of sodas and be more worried on the effect it will have on his teeth than anything else.



My advice, if you're really worried about it, is to cut it out from his diet completely and do NOT give in. If he really is 'addicted' like you say, it will be tough, but worth it in the long run. Make sure all your other care givers and people close to him (i.e. the grandfather) are on the same page and that they do not give in either. After all, "it takes a village". Good luck!

Samantha - posted on 03/14/2011

you are the parent, and you are in charge of what your child eats or drinks. its terrible for a child to drink soft drink all the time. its terrible for adults to drink soft drink all the time. Your childs grandfather is entitled to make his own decision, i think ask him not to drink it in front of your son. There are so many health dangers with drinking soft drinks all the time, and more so with coke. i wouldn't be surprised if you stop him hvaing it he might feel under the weather for while, as his body has already got used to having caffiene (which IS a drug). My kids drink water and milk and only have juice occasionally and soft drinks are for a treat for a birthday or something. they have NEVER had coke and I have no intention of giving it to them. They are 5, 4 and 3. The caffeine will be affecting his ability to sleep well. Stop giving it to him.

Victoria - posted on 03/14/2011

I've had the same problem with sodas. I have negotiated by telling my son the benefits of orange juice vs orange soda. And then I had my husband reiterate the benefits. He then accepted what was put before him. As others have suggested, I would then speak to the grandfather and lay down the law. After all, he is your child and well, it is now your turn to raise a child. Good luck!

Amanda - posted on 03/14/2011

my daughters have water and milk all the time which they call "juice" but actual juice is a treat for them. They have soda (sprite) maybe once in six months. i started this since they were a baby so they dont kno any different.

Kelligrace - posted on 03/14/2011

I know how you feel my son sees a bottle or can and screams SODA. it drives me nuts. If I do give him soda I try to water it down, or give him juice. I dont know if it will work for your little one.

Kelligrace - posted on 03/14/2011

I know how you feel my son sees a bottle or can and screams SODA. it drives me nuts. If I do give him soda I try to water it down, or give him juice. I dont know if it will work for your little one.