16 yr old dd and diet coke

[Anonymous]

I don't understand parents who say they can't set rules for their minor children. That's BS. Yes you can. And no, you shouldn't "be glad" it isn't drugs or alcohol. What kind of kids are you raising, anyway? Most of us drank diet Coke as teens and survived just fine, but OP can certainly ban her DD from drinking it or from drinking it in her house. My suggestion? Tell her she can drink it, but not at home and suggest to her that the sodium in it isn't actually helping her as much as she thinks it is. When I stopped drinking it, I was surprised how much weight I lost.

[Anonymous]

I've had a lifelong Diet Coke habit-- that has been heavy with the exception of pregancy and nursing years.

It's probably going to be bad news for my bones now that I'm nearing 40. I'd worry about it inhibiting calcium absorption during your daughter's prime calcium stockpiling years!

So yes-- my own pre-teen DD is not allowed to have Coke and I do see this as an appropriate battle to choose. Too late for me! (Takes swig, exhales in satisfaction, puts bottle back in its hiding place so 12 year-old doesn't lecture me.)

[Anonymous]

Plus I think there is a meme going around the teen set that only fat people drink diet coke. At least my 16 yo niece who's popular tells me! Fwiw. The addiction may go away on its own.

When I was a kid only the cool kids worked at McDonald's. now that isn't the popular thing to do anymore I hear for upper middle class kids. Seriously these trends can and do change.

[Anonymous]

Have a chat with her about caffeine consumption and how its bad for her body and sleep cycle.

I used to have a terrible time going to sleep when I was a teenager. Once I cut out soda from my diet I was amazed how easy it was for me to go to sleep before midnight! Now I am a sporadic caffeine drinker since I know if I drink any thing with caffeine after about 5 or so, I'm guaranteed to be up late.

[Anonymous]

I did not read all the other posts. My daughter became (more) moody when she injests artificial sweeteners.

[Anonymous]

I think it is reasonable to ask her to limit her daily intake, but then back off.

If my mom had pushed me like you are pushing your DD about her soda drinking habit, I would have consumed even more just to be contrary. I hope your dd isn't like me.

[Anonymous]

Let it go OP. In less than 2 years she will be in college and you will hope all shes drinking is diet coke.

[Anonymous]

Why start a power struggle?

Look, I grew up before everyone realized aspartame was the devil. Crystal lite, diet coke, you name it - it was artificially sweetened, and we drank it. My mom never tried to limit my diet coke addiction - that problem is self-resolving when you realize your stomach hurts and that's why.

All I would do is tell your daughter that there are a few risks: it makes you crave REAL sugar, it can cause stomach cramps, the acid isn't good for your teeth, impedes calcium absorption, etc. Perhaps give her some ideas for alternatives (seltzer water, unsweetened herbal iced tea, fruit-infused water, etc.) But she's a young adult and you'll trust that she'll do her own research and make her own decisions on what she eats/drinks.

Then leave it at that.

[Anonymous]

OP, did you drink soda when you were younger? I know that I did and then I grew up and got more worried about my health and sleep habits and basically stopped. I would say that you won't buy it for her and tell her that you don't like how it makes you feel, but let her make her own decision. I still love the taste of Diet Coke but now understand that it is an occasional treat when at a restaurant not an every day drink like it was when I was in college. Your daughter will likely figure this out too.