What's the difference between soda and cigarettes?

No one looks twice at a kid sipping on a soda. But, you give that same kid a cigarette, and all hell breaks loose! You'll see him on the news and the front page of Yahoo before he has a chance to flick his first ash. Both are terribly bad for kids. I'm no picture of perfect health, but that's my choice as an adult. I'm trying to live a healthier life. My children don't have that choice. As a parent, I make that choice for them. I choose not to give them cigarettes and I choose not to give them soda.

Here's where many of you are going to hate me, but it HAS to be said. STOP GIVING YOUR KIDS SODA!!!!!!! YOU ARE MAKING THEM FAT!!!! Remember when there was only one or two fat kids in class? Well guess what, now there are only one or two skinny kids in the class. Fat kids are the norm and no one seems to mind. Am I hating on fat kids? No, I'm hating on the parents who make poor food choices for them. I never saw a toddler jump in the car and drive to McDonalds. There is absolutely no reason for kids to drink soda or eat a lot of junk food for that matter. I'd be a hypocrite if I said that my kids never eat at McDonalds. They do, as a treat. But, my focus is for them to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Doing this now will set them on a lifelong course of healthy habits.
What does it say about our society that our younger generation will have a lower life expectancy than the one before? And guess who's fault it will be? Do you really want to have a type 2 diabetic kid upset at you because he can't have his usual 2 liter of Dr. Pepper with dinner anymore? Your fifteen year old will now be forced to make drastic dietary changes because you made poor decisions for him early on in life. Well, it's cheap and we're on a budget. Oh yeah, you know what else is cheap, water. I get a 5 gallon refill at the watermill for $1.50. Beat that with a big gulp!

You know who I see running around at the park all the time? Skinny kids. You know why they're skinny? Because they're at the park running around! I have yet to see a fat kid at the park. You know why? Because they're at home eating bad food and sitting in front of the TV. Kids need regular excercise. And I don't mean PE at school. If you're counting on the school to keep your kid fit, I have some beachfront property in Wyoming to sell you. Try this, after dinner, go for a walk. You can burn some calories and help digestion. It's also great family time. There's no TV around to distract you. You and the family can have a meaningful conversation. You bond as a family.

No matter how old your kids are, it's never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle. If you like junk food and soda, that's fine, you're an adult. But, don't let your kids fall into your bad habits. Set an example. Put down the soda and pick up some water. Put down the remote and pick up your ball and glove. Your kids will thank you for it. If you find yourself at the drive thru and handing your child a soda, just unbuckle their seatbelt and pass them a cigarette while you're at it.  Okay, that was a little harsh, but think before they drink.  Kids already drinking soda regularly?  This might help.  Pay it forward!