hhmmm I tend to think you're kidding yourself if you think you'll be able to decide when they try these things... Unfortunately soft drinks (coca cola included) etc are regulars at kids birthday parties and once kids are in school (particularly high school) and visiting other kids homes, you have very little control over what they are exposed to food and drink wise.

Personally, we don't have soft drinks in the house. Until recently DS had never drunk anything other than water and milk. But he see's DH having juice and wants it so we now let him have a juice (25% juice and 75% water) every now and then. He also sees me drinking bubbly water (plain mineral water) so sometimes has a cup of that with dinner. I think all that you can do is model good diet habits and establish them in your home. When you're out of the home you have to allow for a degree of flexibility.

Mind you, now that I think about it DS has had coca-cola. My GP actually recommended it when he had a severe case of gastro and couldn't keep anything (water and pedialite included) down. It's great for settling the stomach, even she said she has no idea why given all the nasties in it... But what you do is put a teaspoon of sugar into it to make it flat. Then you give them a teaspoon of it every 2 minutes, for 15 minutes. Then you give them a 15 minute break and repeat. Despite my initial reluctance and concerns, it worked miracles and settled his stomach almost immediately. After doing that he was able to keep sips of water down and we were able to avoid going to the hospital and having him put on a drip. A little OT but thought I'd share...