Recently, IHOP and Applebee’s made headlines by removing soda from their children’s menus. While some parents applaud the move, it raises an interesting question: why should a restaurant dictate dietary choices for kids? After all, can’t parents simply say no?
DineEquity, the parent company of both Applebee’s and IHOP, explained their reasoning to 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. Parents are the best equipped to make these decisions, which makes it puzzling that this is the approach they chose to support families dining out. It almost feels condescending, as if parents can’t manage to tell their kids that soda isn’t an option, even if it’s listed on the menu.
Blogger Lisa Martinez expressed her gratitude for the change, saying it reduces the number of times she has to tell her kids “no.” She acknowledged the powerful influence of advertising and peer pressure on children, noting, “Kids will keep asking, even after a firm no.” While it’s understandable to want a little relief, we have to remember that teaching kids about healthy choices is crucial. Yes, it might be convenient for parents if soda isn’t an option, but it’s vital for kids to learn how to make informed decisions about their diets.
If soda is completely off the table, how will kids recognize healthier choices? It’s unrealistic to expect soda to disappear from our lives. Instead, we should equip kids with the knowledge to understand what it is and encourage them to choose better alternatives. We can’t filter out every less healthy option from menus, so why not take this opportunity to educate them on making healthier selections? If a child can read “Coke” on a menu, they’re certainly capable of understanding why their parents might prefer they choose something else.
Moreover, both IHOP and Applebee’s still offer items like juice and chocolate milk, both of which are high in sugar. While soda may be seen as worse nutritionally, many parents are just as strict about juice as they are about soda. For some families, a meal out is a special occasion where kids might enjoy a small soda. Why not teach them moderation instead of complete restriction?
While it’s understandable that some parents desire to see soda removed from kids’ menus, shielding children from every unhealthy option isn’t necessarily beneficial. Let’s leave the choices to the parents and allow kids to see what’s available. We’re perfectly capable of navigating these decisions on our own.
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In summary, instead of restaurants banning soda, parents should take the lead in guiding their children toward healthier choices. While it may be tempting to remove all unhealthy options, teaching kids moderation and decision-making skills is far more beneficial in the long run.