How Do I Get My Son to Drink Anything Other than Water

I personally think if all he drinks is water that is better for him anyway. He can get his calories from other foods if that's you big concern. Water is the best thing a child can drink. Most of us have children...mine anyway, that didn't like water, and they need that hydration. Studies show that juices and other drinks aren't really as good for them. If he's not losing weight, and he is eating fruits, vegies, and protiens, then bring on water.

How about chocolate milk or smoothies made with milk? My kids no longer drink milk but I can fool them with the choc milk or smoothies.
D.

If you haven't already, you should try warming the milk. We had to warm my son's milk until he was about 18 months, and decided that cool milk was okay.

Hi A.!

I agree with the pp - if your son is at a healthy weight, active, and the doctor is not concerned about his weight or his health, you don't need to be concerned. I'd just let him drink water.

For what it's worth, my older brother and I hated milk - we still do to this day. My poor mom tried her best to get us to drink some everyday, but it was a battle. She finally gave up when we hit junior high and I think we all sighed with relief!!

So, it's possible he just doesn't like the taste of milk.

Another thing to think about: my husband grew up in a culture that consumes NO dairy whatsoever. None! And, I kid you not, he, his mom (his dad has passed on), and his 5 sisters are in excellent health; they don't have one cavity/filling between them. I'm not joking.

Their diet was naturally organic with lots of fresh fruit and veggies - no manufactured foods or processed sugar - not because their mom was a healthnut, but because that's the way everyone ate.

Their teeth are gorgeous and his mom, who is now in her 70s, has absolutely NO sign of bone loss or any of the things we are told will happen if we don't consume milk and dairy on a daily basis.

I just share this with you because I believe our culture places way too much emphasis on the need for children to drink milk and eat tons of dairy products. I have nothing against dairy - my dd, ironically, adores milk and she eats yogurt everyday.

But, being exposed to my husband's culture made me realize that we don't NEED dairy. We can get our calcium and calories from other sources.

Best of luck!! Your son sounds active and fun. M.

I'm just curious...why is that you think he needs more calories from liquid?

If you are looking into more fat, my suggestion would be to talk to your pediatrician about what kinds of "good" fat they recommend. My ped suggests avocado, unrefined oils (you can serve all sorts of beans dressed with a little olive oil, a pinch of salt) and egg yolks. You can choose a "cream top" yogurt, like Brown Cow, which also has the good fats. Macadamia nuts are a great source of monounsaturated oils, and, while a bit more expensive, can be pureed into a paste to smear on crackers.

Some children just don't care for cow's milk, period. I would abstain from juice for several reasons, tooth decay and empty calories being the top two.

My experience in working with toddlers is that they need to eat at least 5-6 times a day. Breakfast, a midmorning snack, lunch, a midafternoon snack, maybe a second one--you may need to set out something to munch on while you are preparing dinner if he's melting down then, too, dinner and possibly an evening "top-off" before bed. My son needs five regular sit-down and eat times, plus I pack snacks that will help him make it through longer stroller rides or outings.

On thing about the vitamin water, I'm sure you are reading the label, but be very careful, as some brands have lots of added "boosts" that are stimulants. It seems like a great way to get children some vitamins, but it might be worth asking your pediatrician about. Vitamin drops and his beloved water may be more effective, and less expensive.

Just one more thing: kids know how much they need to eat. They are fabulous self-regulators, if we let them tell us what they need, and if we respect their cues. It's obvious that you are picking up on your son's. As long as you choose to offer some healthy options for him to choose, please, don't worry. He just sounds like a typical,growing boy.

Just let him drink water!!! People who get lots of calories from drinks (kids included) tend to be fat. It is fantastic if he's loving water. I learned in college, where I got a degree in Nutrition/Dietetics, that kids as young as 2 are having fatty buildup in their blood vessels. If he's eating a lot, and drinking water, he's doing just fine! If you think he needs more fat, slather butter on his toast. I recently heard that the recommendation that kids have whole milk until age two is being rescinded because kids are getting too fat. They are healthier and better off on the lean side. Many cultures in the world have never had milk to drink, and they're doing just fine. A few hundred calories a day, by the way, is an awful lot. 300 extra calories a day, not burned up with activity, will add nearly 3 pounds a month to a person, and he sure doesn't need to gain like that.

Wow, you don't have a problem you have a very smart little guy! Water is one of the best things we can do for our health,and it is inexpensive and easy to come by. So many parents can't get their children to drink water because they are already set on only milk or juices, neither of which are as healthy as we have been led to believe. If your son is gaining weight appropriately give him all the water he wants and praise him for it! You might try drinking water every time he does and see what it does for your skin and overall well being.
D. B

A.,
You should be happy that he likes water. Don't worry about the calories or the fat. If his body needed it, it would respond. Plus he will get the fat and calories from food. It doesn't always have to come from liquids.

I caution you VERY STRONGLY about giving him Vitamin Water. Most of them have caffeine labeled as guarana which can speed up the metabolism. Most people have no clue that this is caffeine and it can be dangerous for children. Years ago I sold diet products that had this ingredient in them to speed up the metabolism to cause weight loss. Also caffeine is dehydrating to the body just as tea and soda pop are. It is a diuretic which flushes fluids (water) from the body.

Also if your son is drinking a lot of water, it could be a sign of dehydration or even diabetes. check with your pediatrician. But, definitely stay away from the Vit water there are just too many chemicals in them that children shouldn't have.

Good luck.

Like others have said, I wouldn't worry about it. :) It's free, it's healthy, and as long as he's nourished and hydrated, then you are doing a fantastic job. :)

My dd was allergic to everything, so the day I got her to drink water was the day I no longer worried about dehydration. My mom poured milk down our throats like it was a vitamin made in heaven. Guess What? It really is not good for you or them. About a majority of the population is allergic to milk and don't even know it. As long as you take your son for his regular checkups and he is getting his vitamins you should have nothing to worry about. Be happy he isn't into juice or pop which is full of sugar. Milk is just not the big deal our parents said it was. Unfortuately, I still love it. Don't worry. Good Luck.

My kids love it when i put carnation instant breakfast in their milk. It's a yummy treat, and it's full of nutrition.

Hi A., I put ovaltine in my kids' milk when I weened them. They loved the chocolately taste and you can always curtail the chocolate once they get used to it. I've even put it in almond milk or soy milk when I've run out of cow's milk. Ovaltine isn't the best for you but at least it has some nutritional value. Good Luck

Don't know how you feel about Ovaltine, but my kid loves it.

Hey A.,
I don't think you need to worry too much, if your son is consuming other dairy products throughout the day he should be getting enough calcium and also fat/cholesterol. It's recommended that toddlers get 6-12oz of whole milk per day, but it is ONLY a recommendation and can be substituted with other dairy. And as long as your son's growth curve is steady, which you can check on at his 18month check-up; he might not need extra calories from liquid.

My daughter was opposed to cow's milk after we stopped breast feeding, but I kept offering her small amounts several times throughout the day and eventually she began to drink it. I too was concerned about her not drinking milk until I spoke with a dietitian who assured me that my girl was getting enough calcium through other dairy products.

Don't hesitate to call your pediatrician with your concerns though, they are in the business to help:)

M.

Hi--
My youngest doesn't like to drink milk (sometimes he'll drink it if it's loaded with chocolate). We've tried a number of different things--even adding a little sugar and calling it "ice cream juice." He's been mostly drinking water for over a year, with an occasional glass of juice. He has an excellent appetite, eats lots of healthy food, and loves yogurt. So we figure as long as he has a well-rounded diet and gets his vitamins from other healthy foods, he should be fine (our pedi confirmed it was fine). He's a healthy kid--right on track for growth. I wouldn't worry too much.

:) E.

We had the opposite problem with ur daughter. She would drink milk all day long, but ew couldn't get any water into her. We had luck with getting a cup with a straw attached. We let her pick out the one she wanted and then it was only for water. She wanted to use the straw so much, that it worked! Maybe this could work for you, but in reverse!

A.,

My 2cents on this is, generally, it's a good thing - sounds like a balanced diet, etc. However, a child demanding water, water, water - and lots of it - is a child I believe you should test, just to rule it out, for diabetes. Especially if your child looks like he's in need of more calories. If that's the case with your son, I wouldn't hesitate to ask my pediatrician about it.

T. B.

What a wonderful problem!!!! --- so many children are determined to drink such high calorie unhealthy liquids - this is a really super '''problem'' . But- the issue- calories --- ( and I'm sure you've asked your health provider to refer you to a nutritional person) - if the cottage cheese and yogurt - etc -that you offer is full-fat - he should get plenty of fat in what he's taking--- ( as an insulin dependent diabetic - I promise you--- tweaking diets is not that tough- you can do it)

:-) J.

How was his weight at his 12 month check up. If it was OK then and he's not lost weight he probably doesn't need anymore calories. He does need the calcium from dairy and he's getting that from dairy products. He's also getting calories from dairy products.

Since you describe a healthy boy I wouldn't worry about his not drinking milk of any kind. If you continue to be concerned talk with his pediatrician.

I have a 6'4" 17 yr old boy who refused to drink any milk. He was breast fed and to this day, won't drink milk. Loves cheese to the point we thought he was a mouse, yougurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, milk shakes... but milk forget. He even ate his cereal dry. He drinks plenty of water and juice. As a football player, x-country runner, swimmer and distance runner in track he's had no problems. His intelligence is high, so he got more than enough fat content from whatever else he ate. He's also picky when it comes to meats, likes only white meat. Offer the milk, try skim instead of whole milk, maybe a milkshake. Some kids just prefer not to drink milk and they grow up just wonderfully. Enjoy him, they grow up way too fast!

try the milk with a little chocolate. they now have the one that is low in sugar and heat it for 30 secs!

I have raised 7 kids and I think the best advice is to follow your childs natural tendencies. He may not tolerate milk or could have a tongue allergy. A tongue allergy is different than regular allergies it does not cause sneezing or itchy watery eyes but can cause the tongue to tingle, itch, or feel like it is coated in lard. If your son doesn't want to drink milk go with it. Also, if he eats a well balanced diet and is not overly picky and you let him eat till he is done instead of severely limiting portions then he is getting enough calories. Most kids today are getting too many. If you are really worried about ask the doc how many calories he needs and then track them. Get a calorie king book and a scale and just keep track for a few days. I think you will find he is getting enough calories. Even my pickiest eaters got enough calories.

A. - Don't worry too much. Milk is healthy, but not necessary for our bodies. He'll either start to drink it later, or he won't. As long as he has good sources of calcium and Vitamin D he'll be fine!

I would leave him alone with the drinking...just make sure he's getting spring or really good filtered water :) You don't want to get into fruit juices for known reasons and milks are just not his thing, that's fine. I'd add calories perhaps with whole grain & fruit bars and actual fruit. PCC has great choices on those.
Be well,
Liz Brandegee
Classical Homeopath

Unless Julien is so skinny that your doctor is concerned, I wouldn't be too worried. If he's losing weight and always thirsty, get him checked quick – diabetes is a possibility.

But if he's maintaining his weight, he's probably doing the normal thing that little guys do – going through a stage. And you are doing what mommies do – worrying. If his appetite is good and he's eating plenty of dairy, he's getting everything he would get from drinking milk. And some kids don't digest fresh milk as well as they handle yogurt, cheese, etc. He could have some body wisdom kicking in here. And a body maintaining a trim profile is extremely healthy, a good start on clean arteries and a strong heart.

Try not to make what he eats or drinks too big an issue, A.. This could set up emotional/eating patterns that could work against his future health or the emotional health of your relationship with him. Stand back and take a breath, and try to see the situation with some objectivity. If you see genuine reason for concern, ask his pediatrician. The rest of us can't see him!

Sounds like you're little guy is just fine, he likes all his other dairy :) Mine is a week away from one year and just got the okay to wean him to regular milk (was breastfeeding still). He didn't like it at all- doctor suggested 3 parts br. milk to 1 part cow milk initially to help with acceptance. This worked great! My little guy is not a big drinker- he does love water, but even that he doesn't usually drink more than a couple ounces at most. I was amazed that when I kept giving my guy some milk at the beginning of a meal (not mixed), then water later towards the end of the meal, he slowly became more receptive to it, and yesterday he sat an chugged like 6oz of straight milk! Now, that was about twice what he normally drinks, but no more faces- he likes it now! And I think it only took about a week, if that. So stick with it if you get too worried, and hopefully he'll grow to like it soon!

Here is my two cents-
My oldest daugher did the same thing went from breastmilk to water, and now she is five and essentially the same. She will drink milk with cereal/oatmeal a sip of juice very rarely, and recently will drink hot chocolate in winter. But 95% of life its water. I too wondered about calories, calcium etc. But the doctors and nurses said "good for you Mom she is doing great, and most people don't drink enought water, don't change what your doing". Sounds like you too have your bases covered regarding calcium- so I say don't sweat it, think you are actually doing a wonderful thing buy training your child to stay healthy.

he is drinking water that is good who cares if he wont drink anything else he can get "fat" from food not just drinks

This may not be what you want to here, but don't worry about it unless your boy is actually consistantly losing weight. Water is the best drink. Most people are dehydrated. If you can get him to be a great water drinker from the start he will be healthier through his life. It sounds like he is getting plenty of other options in his food. If you do still want to try adding milk I would not recommend soy, because i've heard it increases estrogen. We like rice milk, but I try to limit it to just meal times and drink water through the day. I have two daughters that happened to be very petit. I had a pediatrician try to get me to add juice to their diets art very young ages (before a year) because she was worried about their growth. Luckily I knew that small slow growth is normal in my family. Doctors did not think I would get above 4'11''. I proved them wrong in College and reaches 5'2''. I'm not huge and don't expect mu girls to be. My six year old is already beginning to get a bit tall for her age. Sorry for rambling here. I'm just trying to let you know that increasing calories in drinks is very rarely needed. Water is the best option. So relax and just have fun with your boy. Water is also less messy. Start a water fight.

i would check with your pediatrician. my daughter will drink chocolate milk, cut with regular milk.. maybe that's an option. there are also drinkable yogurts that you could try. from everything i have heard and read, there is no reason to give him juice. water is great! :)

My daugther didn't like milk at first either, but we kept offering and now (at 2) she loves it. Just stick with it, and a good water drinking habit is wonderful! My kids love water (esp ice water!) now too, adn I'm so glad they aren't hooked on sugary drinks.

Water is the BEST liquid for Julien. Go here to find out more. http://search.mercola.com/Results.aspx?q=Foods%20that%20c....

What we do sometimes to encourage our 2 year old to drink milk at times is we bought the hershey's chocolate syrup and we put just a tiny bit in so it changes color, gives it just a hint of different flavor, and she thinks she is having chocolate milk.

Actually, water is one of the best things he can drink. Most kids drink too much juices, and especially dairy. If you really feel he needs more calories, try blending almond milk (higher in fat and protein than other types of milk) with his favorite fruit, some agave or other natural sweetner and some raw almond butter to make a yummy smoothy/icecream. It'll be packed with good fat, calories and protein but taste yummy! If you use raw almond butter he'll also get the extra enzymes and nutrients from raw nuts, an extra bonus.

Another great combo is mixing bananas with the milk of a young tai coconut and some agave. It has almost the same protein combination as breast milk and it's yummy too.

These are just a few tricks I use for my little ones to make sure they get the healhty stuff in their diet. Hope this helps.
:)

Unless your son is under weight, I would not be worried about him getting more beverage calories. If I were you, I would be grateful that he drinks so much water. Also, look for full fat yogurt, cottage cheese and butter. I like Yobaby yogurt. It is made with whole milk and there is one that has DHA in it. My 2 year old loves it. If you are worried about your son's weight you can add regular butter to a lot of food. If his weight is fine then it sounds like everything is great!

My daughter had the same issue. She is now 27 months and likes milk. We keep her on organic milk. Still to this day she drinks it from time to time. As I know other child have it everyday. She did go thru a long time with out it. Your doing the right things. Water is great! Our daughter drinks a bit of water everyday! It is so great for child and us! Also sounds as if he is still getting dairy other ways which is great! Our daughters pediatrician had given us the advice of trying yogurt,cottage chesse, string cheese ect. Which your doing! Making sure he has a balance diet is what is really important. It sounds as if your just doing a great job as being his mommy! Being concern is completely normal.Best regards!

I had the same problem when I weaned my son from breastmilk at 15 months. He would not drink anything else, even milk- so supplementing dairy (Yo Baby Yogurt worked out very well) was constantly on my mind. As for his health, I would simply suggest taking a daily vitamin (liquid or appropriately chewable) daily to ensure he is getting his essentials and then be very patient with trying new things (being very careful of those foods that are more susceptible to food allergies). I wanted to pull my hair out because I felt he was malnourished but eventually my son expanded his diet and now is a very healthy eater or just about anything :) We went from simple mixtures (chicken broth adn rice) to Fruits and veggies and on- but every child is so different. HANG IN THERE!

My daughter just turned 3 and has never liked milk. She breastfed until 2 but absolutely refused any other kind of milk. I never pushed it with her as I know that we don't need it. I'm sure you know that humans are the only animal that drink milk past infancy, it is just not necessary to our diets.
As long as he has a good diet and is getting calcium from other sources it isn't anything to worry about. He can also get natural, good fats from other sources, such as cottage cheese, yogurt, olives and avocados.
I'm sure your beautiful boy will do just fine without milk. Good Luck :)

Hi A..
I know someone that had the same issue that you are having (in terms of more fat in the diet). does he like oatmeal? Try using whole milk instead of water when making that. higher fat yogurt (not the light kind) and higher fat cheese. Eggs might be good too, if he isn't allergic to them (but ask your doctor about that first).
Does he like juice? They make apple juice with calcium in it also. I give my son either Juicy juice or Treetop juice. He doesn't like to drink milk during the hotter weather, except first thing in the morning, so I give him the juice with calcium.
Just a few suggestions, hope they help!

A.,

Until he is two years old your son needs the extra fat in milk to help brain development. I would talk to your pediatrician and get some advice from him/her on how to get your son to drink milk, or some better alternatives to water all the time.

My kids are almost 5 and 17 months. My son, the older one, will drink white or chocolate milk, but prefers chocolate. My daughter will only drink chocolate milk (like her Daddy). At her last Dr.'s visit I was told that the chocolate was okay, just that she was drinking milk period.

Hope this helps,
Melissa