It can be difficult to get children to choose healthy drinks instead of sugary drinks. These tips and tricks can help you help your kids make the switch to healthier drinks.
Tips
- It’s ok to start slow. Choose one drink or one day each week to switch to a non-sweetened choice.
- Make the switch gradually. Try starting by adding a bit of water to sugary drinks.
- Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water.
- Try limiting the time of day for sugary drinks – like no sugary drinks after lunch.
- Let your kids pick out a water bottle they like, fill it up, and bring it with them wherever you go.
- Kids like fizz. Try switching a sugary drink to sparkling water with a splash of juice for color and flavor.
- Add slices of orange, lemon or cucumber to water to make it more flavorful and fun.
- Try a banana blended with ice cubes and low-fat milk and top it with cinnamon!
- Tell other parents that you’re switching to healthy drinks and ask them to serve only water or milk to your child.
- Keep up the good work. It’s hard to say no to a child who wants a sugary drink. You’re making a great choice for their health!
- If they’d like a drink, try cold low-fat milk. It’ll fill them up and is good for their teeth and bones.
