Yes, 6-year-olds can drink water and other age-appropriate beverages.
While the question is simple, it's important to consider what "drink" refers to. Here's a breakdown:
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Water: Absolutely essential. Children aged 4-8 years old should aim for about 5 cups (40 ounces) of water per day. This helps with hydration, bodily functions, and overall health.
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Milk: Milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. The recommendation is usually 2-2.5 cups a day of low-fat or fat-free milk.
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Juice: While juice can provide some vitamins, it's generally high in sugar. Limit juice intake. 100% juice is preferred, and should be limited to 4-6 ounces per day.
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Sugary Drinks (Soda, Sweetened Tea, Sports Drinks): These should be avoided as much as possible. They contribute to empty calories, tooth decay, and other health problems.
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Alcohol: Absolutely not. Alcohol is extremely harmful to children and can have severe consequences. It is illegal to provide alcohol to minors.
Therefore, when we say "can 6 year olds drink?", the answer is yes, they can and should drink water and other healthy beverages like milk in moderation. They should avoid sugary drinks and never drink alcohol.
