Water first, soda later.
When you tell your child “Water first, soda later,” you’re offering more than a snack rule — you’re teaching a tiny life habit that helps when things feel big. For a kid, it can be a short, simple signal to take care of the basics before reaching for a quick distraction. As a parent you can use that line literally (try filling a glass together when they seem upset) and as a calming cue: meet the body, then decide the rest. Saying it often turns it into a trusted step they can do on their own when the world gets noisy.
Short phrases can be powerful because they’re easy to remember in the middle of a hard moment. Teach a handful of quick lines and practice them so your child can grab one when needed. Try: “Water first, soda later,” “Take five breaths,” “Tell me one thing,” “Name the feeling,” “One step at a time,” and “This will pass.” Use these as gentle commands or as questions depending on the situation: “Would you like to drink some water and then tell me what happened?” or “Can we take five deep breaths together?” Small words like these break a big feeling into a small action.
Show them how the phrase works in real life. If a school fight leaves them teary or a test makes their stomach twist, say, “Let’s get water and then we’ll decide if we want to talk.” When they’re angry, suggest, “Name it — is it anger or disappointment?” Naming feelings helps kids feel understood and reduces intensity. If they’re overwhelmed, suggest movement: “Walk to the mailbox and come back.” When they feel better physically or have paused a moment, they can choose a treat or a distraction — that’s the “soda later” part. It teaches delayed reaction instead of instant escape.
Remind them that practicing these phrases is like practicing a sport or instrument: it feels awkward at first but gets easier. You can role-play: pretend to be upset and have your child lead you through the steps, or let them be the one to cue themselves. Praise tries, not perfection: “You asked for a drink and took a breath — that was a great step.” Make the language theirs by asking what they want to call the habit: some kids prefer “pause and sip,” others like “reset first.” Ownership makes it stick.
Over time these short, steady phrases build emotional muscles. They aren’t magic — they won’t erase every hurt — but they give a child simple tools to slow down, notice their needs, and make a clearer choice. As a parent, keep your tone calm and steady, use the phrases with warmth, and remind them often. If you model the habit yourself — reaching for water when you’re flustered — they’ll learn it matters. In small daily moments, “Water first, soda later” becomes a quiet promise: basic care first, then comfort, and a little more control over the big feelings.