I have a question. And I believe it is a legitimate query, not just some smart-@%$ observation.

Why do people give their very young children soda? Or pop, or Coke, or whatever you happen to call it in your region of the nation?

How do you look at an 18 month old baby and think “hell, he looks like he needs a slug of Mountain Dew in that bottle to keep him going?”

Now to the observations: I have watched too many of the under-2 set be given this junk. To be fair, I enjoy a carbonated beverage every now and then, but they are not my single source of liquid refreshment. I’ve seen newly walking 1 year olds handed a cup with a straw and encouraged to “drink their soda all gone.” These same age kids who are still drinking from bottles have been given rainbow colored carbonated beverages because “he likes it.” Well, he likes pooping in his pants too, but you don’t let him stay that way!

In the end:

Do not come to me and complain when your 2 year old has cavities and you can’t understand why your pediatrician is telling you your 4 year old is overweight. If your little one is thirsty, turn on the tap and give them a nice cold glass of water. It’s everywhere. Even in the soda fountains at a fast food restaurant. So while they may be eating fried chicken and potatoes, at least they aren’t adding a week’s worth of sugar to the mix.