If your kids are in the habit of grabbing a soda or energy drink when they’re thirsty, nip it in the bud right now (especially energy drinks, which are a definite no-no)! Both contain a surprising amount of sugar and empty calories, which can have a negative impact on kids’ health – and teeth. Here are some tips for getting your parched pee-wees to swap out those sugary drinks for healthier options.

1. Keep track of how many sodas or energy drinks you and your kids drink in one day. Can you replace just one with water or low-fat milk?
2. Show your kids how much sugar is actually in one soda by measuring it out. A 20-ounce can of cola has 17.6 teaspoons of sugar! Drinking one every day can contribute enough extra calories to equal 27 pounds per year.
3. Make it as easy as possible for your kids to choose water by getting them their own water bottles to carry around and refill as needed.
4. Jazz up plain ol’ water by infusing it with different combinations of fruits and herbs. We’re partial to raspberry and mint, cucumber and lime, blueberry and lemon, and strawberry and basil – but it’s much more fun to let kids make their own concoctions.

See Rethink Your Drink in Game On for more.