GainesvilleMoms.com

I just came across an article that said banning sode machines in schools aren't doing much to reduce the amount of soft drinks that children drink. (Click here.)

I never really let my daughter have soft drinks since we never really have them around anyways. But every once in a while I will let her have a sip of Sprite when I am craving one.

Do you let your children drink soft drinks? Do you think schools should keep soft drinks out?

I don't think coke machines should be allowed in schools, at least elementary schools. I want to be able to regulate the amount of junk my daughter gets.

What do you think? Should soft drinks be available to kids?

Our high school had a soda machine, but I rarely bought my Coke's from them. I'd have one on my way to school, then I'd bring another from home, then get something after school -- as you can tell, I'm a lifelong caffeine addict. So I'm really not surprised that removing the machines hasn't really changed anything.

Elementary schools, no way should they be there.

I don't ever remember any of the schools I went to having student access to soda machines. The only ones I remember being there were in the teacher's lounge and I only caught glimpses of them throught those little retangualr windows on the door.

As for my opinion of them in schools. Absolutely not. It doesn't matter whether their removal is helping keep kids thin or not. They shouldn't be there.

The only soda my kids get, even the teens, is when we go out to a restaurant. They do have soda machines in school but they both drink water. My 3 year old can't stand soda. She tried sprite twice and doesn't like it.

We didn't have soda machines in grade school and middle school. But when I got to high school they were everywhere and so was a snack machine and we were all at one or the other of both.

I think that grade school and middle school should not have them. I just wouldn't want my child to have access to junk food all day.

High school is another story. At least for me.

I'm a bad mommy. My daughter definitely drinks soda. Not the sugar soda. Coke zero. Still I'm sure the caffeine isn't good for her. She LOVES soda.

quote:

Originally posted by kristinch1:
I'm a bad mommy. My daughter definitely drinks soda. Not the sugar soda. Coke zero. Still I'm sure the caffeine isn't good for her. She LOVES soda.

I'm no expert but isn't coke zero calorie AND caffeine free????

Okay...I googled Coke Zero..you're right, it has caffeine. Like I said..I knew I wasn't an expert lol.

I'm right there with you kristin. Hubby and I both drink too much Diet Coke, and of course our boys want to drink it, too. They rarely get soda at home. But when we go out, we'll sometimes let them have soda or share with us. My husband prefers to give them Diet Coke, thinking they don't need the sugar. I give them Sprite, thinking they don't need the caffeine. Which is the lesser of the two evils? I don't know. But I do try to give them mostly water and milk, and occasionally juice, but they still all like soda.

As far as vending machines in school? I don't think they're necessary for younger kids and shouldn't be allowed in elementary schools.

I drink too much soda myself, and do let me kids have a sip occasionally from my glass. They are also allowed to have soda when at a party or occasionally when we are out eating.

That being said, I do agree that soda machines should remain out of schools, especially elementary and middle schools. I kind of straddle the fence when it comes to high school. Although we should be teaching children healthy habits, by the time they reach HS age, they should be able to start making decisions for themselves.

I'm not surprised that children aren't drinking less soda even though the machines have been yanked. When I was in school, the children that ate the most "junk" food were the kids that weren't participating in after school activities. (Thus using the vending machines after hours.) They were usually also the same ones that brought "junk" food to school for lunch and were allowed to eat too much junk at home too.

I remember our high school having soda and snack machines but I only bought them occasionally. (okay so I was a teacher's aide and had to fill the soda machines and MAYBE had access to them from the inside..) and with all of the info out there now, I have to wonder why the soda and snacks cannot be replaced with water, fruit juices, milk and healthy items? I know those machines exist and maybe it is a cost issue, but it seems like anything inside a vending machine has a sort of 'forbidden' lure to it so maybe kids would still buy the stuff? I don't think an occasional soda is the downfall of anyone but I would prefer they not be in schools. (so if we homeschool, does that mean I can't have soda in the fridge??!! - ha ha)

I know without a single ounce of doubt that I drink far too much soda and I accept the responsibility of that. Our daughter gets an occasional Sprite as a treat and has never really shown any interest in our drinks. Hubby did catch the boy snagging a Pepsi can off the end table and chugging down as much as he could before Dad got to him! Could have been worse - could have been a beer! I really didn't think he could reach the center of the table but now I know to be extra careful what I leave where.

Okay after I posted this and then re-read it, I want to clear something up. It isn't like we have beer sitting all over the house where the kids can get to it. It is Gator football season and we do enjoy the 'adult beverages' while watching the games but that's it. I didn't want anyone getting a mental image of some beer can strewn house where kids can get into anything because Mom and Dad are 'sleeping it off' or something. We don't do that.....not anymore anyway....lol

This message has been edited. Last edited by: michelle v,

Usually when my daughter has soda I cut it with water, enough so that it still looks and tastes like soda but is only about 50% soda. But the biggest way I've found to make her want it less is to not drink it in front of her (so I'll sneak into the kitchen and drink some when she isn't paying attention)

Soda machines in schools? Thumbs down!

I was reading all these and thinking that kids getting soda at restaurants and occasionally from parents makes it sound like it's a treat. This could encourage kids to want soda. Also, like alcohol, can it be that if we make something unavailable it will be like this unattainable, coveted, drink that rebelious teens will gravitate toward? I do agree that it should not be available to young kids.

Also, if you really like soda but want to quit try this:

I drink cranberry juice mixed with a great carbonated water. Throw in a piece of lime (or some juice from a bottle) and it feels like a great treat.

I know it's not the same and at times I crave a coke too but think about how long it takes for a can of coke to totally disentigrate a T-bone steak (bone and all) and you may change your mind.

Also, diet soda is the worse kind. It even has rat poison in it! Here is an exerpt from the book "Skinny Bitch" that discusses it rather bluntly. I heard it was a rude book but very informative.

Link