WIBU to say no to Pepsi for 6yos?

[FatalCabbage]

6th birthday party, high street restaurant. Guests ordering drinks.

My child quietly, while he thinks I'm not listening, orders "coke please". I am listening, and say absolutely not, but nice try. He settles for Fanta.

Another child also politely tries to order coke. I veto that too; he has Fanta too.

It's not the sugar or the fizz (although I know neither of those is good, it is after all a party) but the caffeine. My 6yo hasn't had coke before, as far as I'm aware, and since caffeine sends me absolutely doolally I'm not keen for him to try it either.

Was I unfair? I have previously served coke at 11th birthday parties, ie to 10- and 11yos, but six is sooooo much younger physically.

And if I was unfair, was that to both children or only one, in which case which? I know I was a bit precious but did it matter?

And no, not McDonald's. Knife and fork

TBH, I wouldn't have even given them Fanta.

Yes YABU it was a party.

I don't think you were, but I'm sure others will disagree. At that age, lemonade or Fanta is alright on special occasions but I'd be hesitant to offer caffeinated drinks. Likewise I think I was ten years old before I was allowed to have a very milky "coffee" with my mum and her lady friends.

My 6 1/2 yr old has only last weekend had some coke. We found a small bottle with her name on but she has only had about 50ml at a time, morning only and a few days in between! They are hyper enough without caffeine! Her treat is sprite, 7-up or fanta when we go to a restaurant.

I wouldn't have given fizzy drinks to a gang of 6 year old's full stop.

Lol. YABU. Especially since Fanta has more sugar than coke! It's a rare treat...he's not swigging it in his school lunch bottle is he!?

it really wouldnt have bothered me to let them have coke or fanta or lemonade or whatever other drinks they asked for.

YANBU to say no for your own child, but I would have allowed the guest to order what he wanted (within reason obviously). Actually, I would have allowed my own DS to have it too - as it was a party & not an everyday thing.

Your DS may forever more be known as "the one who's not allowed coke" amongst his friends though (as they are bound to say they are allowed it, even if they are not).

It would have been water, milk, squash or juice. No fizzy drinks until teenagers in this house! YAnbu

I probably would have allowed it at a party, but YANBU if you don't want to.

Is there something about CO2 that makeschildren combust if they drink it before they're 13?

Mine are 6 and 9 and have never had fizzy drinks. I am that mother who takes drinks from home to restaurants

I let dc have fanta in restaurants. I wouldn't let them have coke though. They're 4 and 6.

Yabu.

I drink coke over lemonade or fanta type drinks as they're loaded in artificial stuff that gives me thumping headaches. I apply that to my children too. They're younger and have a small drink of mine occasionally, for example if they are still thirsty after finishing their drinks.

Why would you need to take drinks from home to restaurants? (allergies excepted)

YABU

Because for whatever reason most places round here don't even have cordial available. and I'm not paying for water has been refused tap water several in the past

Hmm, a fairly even split between "too strict" and "too liberal". That's reassuring.

I was caught on the hop, basically. And when I got home I wondered what the other parents would think. Failing organic falafel and spring water, I think I took a reasonable stance, and they knew to expect party food rather than fully balanced meals generally.

It's been very interesting, thanks. I know all the mothers, and most of the fathers, fairly well, but it isn't a topic that's ever come up over coffee (I drink herbal tea then anyway).

I didn't think it was the 'done thing' to take your own drinks to restaurants? Apart from the "bring a bottle" types & baby milk/sippy cups.

However fussy you may be, everywhere serves water don't they?

This is difficult, I understand both sides tbh. I hate ALL high sugar fizzy drinks BUT as it was a party they were being asked what they wanted, so I would 've allowed them all to have it.

Different in your own home where you can lay on your own drinks. So YWB a bit U.

Oh right x-post with iam.

I would probably just pay for the bottled water.

Your own child YANBU but I wouldn't stop another child having something.

I usually get still apple juice for myself and many restaurants do serve this.

YANBU for wanting to limit it. YABU for thinking Fanta is better and banning it at a birthday party.

My favourite drink for kids is Sunny Delight but I guess you can't go wrong with diluted water :(

I'm a liberal with sweets, but ultra conservative fizzy drink facist