Your cart is currently empty!
Restaurants Don’t Need to Ban Soda—Parents Just Need to Say ‘No’
Recently, IHOP and Applebee’s made headlines by removing soda from their children’s menus. While some parents are cheering this decision, it raises an interesting question: why do restaurants feel the need to dictate dietary choices for kids? Shouldn’t parents simply be able to say no?
DineEquity, the company behind Applebee’s and IHOP, shared their reasoning with ABC News, stating, “We believe this is a small step in assisting parents while dining out, as parents are in the best position to determine the appropriate food and beverage choices for their children.” And they’re absolutely right. It’s a bit baffling that, out of all the support they could provide to families, this is the route they chose. It almost implies that parents lack the authority to deny their kids soda, even when it’s on the menu.
Parenting blogger Mia Thompson mentioned that she appreciates the move because it eliminates one more “no” she has to deliver to her kids. In her words, “With all the ads and promotions, kids are constantly exposed to soda, and they often keep asking for it, even after you say no. If your child stops asking after one ‘no,’ that’s great! But most kids don’t, thanks to what marketers call ‘Pester Power.’ So, having one less option to say no to is kinda nice.”
While we can see the convenience in this approach, it’s crucial for kids to learn about making healthy choices from a young age. Sure, it might be easier for parents if soda isn’t even an option, but we need to teach our children how to make informed decisions as they grow up. If there are no “bad” options available, how will they ever understand what is good for them? Let’s face it—soda isn’t going anywhere. Kids need to learn about it and about healthier alternatives.
We can’t sanitize every menu for them forever, so why not take this opportunity to guide them? If they can read “Coke” on the menu, they’re probably old enough to understand why they shouldn’t order it.
Plus, both restaurants still offer juice and chocolate milk, which are also high in sugar. While soda may have a worse nutritional profile, many parents firmly refuse to let their kids drink juice as well. For some families, eating out is a special occasion where a small soda is allowed. It’s all about balance, right?
While it’s understandable why parents might want to see soda removed from kids’ menus, shielding children from all unhealthy options won’t help them in the long run. Let’s allow parents to make those choices and expose kids to all the options. We’re perfectly capable of making those decisions on our own.
For more insights on parenting and fertility topics, check out our other blog posts like this one which dives into various aspects of home insemination. Also, for expert advice on home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, if you’re seeking resources on fertility, Hopkins Medicine offers valuable information here.
In summary, instead of relying on restaurants to remove soda from menus, parents should focus on teaching their children about healthy choices. It’s essential to empower kids to make informed decisions as they grow, rather than shielding them from less nutritious options.