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Originally Posted by akcskye
BUT, their hangup seems to be soda pop. It was so out of hand that we had to enforce a "one pop a day" limit...
But, they make it such an issue...what could be up with that?
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Who doesn't love it? Especially the regular kind: sweet, bubbly, caffeine and energy - WOW! I wish I could drink all the soda I want.
Two ideas: caffeine is addictive. Ever try to go without it for a few days and get a terrible headache? UGH! Also, you said "they make it such an issue." That is what caught my attention.
*Please understand I am not a physician.* I was a children's counselor but still claim no expertise. I do hope to be able to help - but do not want to come across as some sort of "expert" or "know-it-all" because I am not.
My experience says that when older children create an issue out of something then it is the parents (or, again, parent-figures) who are allowing it to be an issue. My recommendation is not fun. JMHO - and this is only one idea - take it out of the picture. Of course, that means for the whole family. It becomes a non-issue because it is simply not there and not bought. That means everyone in the family has to give it up, I know, and feels like a punishment to the parents - BUT it can stop the issue in it's tracks.
One time I implemented a "no T.V." rule. It had gotten out of hand with both my children. My husband was not happy and my 18-year-old Goddaughter got caught sneaking T.V. time - so I loaded the T.V. up and put it in the trunk of my car. But it didn't take long before everyone in the house realized that we were not going to have T.V. at all if violent programs were watched. The end. No more. After a while we had a family meeting (and yes, even my four-year-old attended) where we discussed T.V. rules.
Anyway - back to the point. YOU control the issue - whatever it is. If that means no soda - at all - and no whining, fussing, or complaining will change it - then it is not there as a control issue. However - be forewarned that sometimes when that stops working kids will choose something else to test you on. Ah well... the joys of parenthood.
Again, this is just what *I* would do. I'm sure there are others with different and better ideas.
Good luck - the teenage years are up and coming.
