Most parents know the story all too well. A child hears the fizzy hiss of a can opening, sees the familiar label, and suddenly that drink feels like the ultimate treat. Between the sweetness, the bubbles, and the way advertising makes it look fun and grown up, Coca Cola can quickly become something kids ask for every day rather than an occasional indulgence.
The problem is that what seems harmless can add up fast. Sugary sodas are loaded with sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and dramatic energy swings that show up as mood changes. Many colas also contain caffeine, which can make children jittery and disrupt sleep. On top of that, the acidity in carbonated drinks can be tough on tooth enamel, raising the risk of cavities over time.
So what can a parent do when a total ban feels like it will only make the craving stronger. That is where one mother’s approach stood out because it leaned on psychology instead of a power struggle. According to Times of India, Indian actress Shalini Passi, known from the Netflix series Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, shared how she handled the issue when her son was little. Rather than declaring Coca Cola forbidden, she changed the experience of it at home.
Her solution was surprisingly simple. Before serving the drink, she diluted it with water. Her son still believed he was getting the real thing, but the taste became odd enough that he started to lose interest on his own. Over time, he began avoiding sweet fizzy drinks altogether because he associated them with that disappointing flavor.
The funniest moment came years later, when he tried an undiluted Coca Cola at a party. After the first sip, he rushed back to his mother, amazed at how good it tasted compared with what he remembered at home. That was the moment he realized something had been different all along, even though Passi apparently still did not reveal her secret. In a way, the trick worked twice, first by easing him away from the habit, and later by making the “real” version feel like a rare exception rather than a daily need.
If you have ever battled a soda obsession at home, share what worked for you in the comments.
