At my school we (very luckily) have a rule that students can only drink water in the classroom during the day. They can have milk or a juice with breakfast/lunch. I am very strict about having only water in class, and I make sure I set a good example by only drinking water in class in front of them as well. This has never really been a problem except for one student. Her parents (this is an elementary class so kids can’t really buy things themselves) fill her water bottle with SODA all the time before school. I’ve politely written home about, mentioning that it’s a school rule that kids can not have soda at all. Yesterday I (privately) called her out on it again and she cried about it saying she “just can’t drink water unless it’s flavored or soda or juice”. I can’t imagine a parent ruining their child’s health like that. My town has amazingly clean water you can drink of the tap for free. We have many water fountains with cold water all over the school.
Some people really do struggle drinking plain water. “She cried about it,” indicates it’s something she’s aware of and feels badly for. That her parents only fill her bottle with soda is not something to shame her for. She’s a child, you made efforts to address the parents, but you shouldn’t be blaming her. It’s the responsibility of the parents to try and fix this. To encourage hydrating properly, consider having flavoring like those mio squeeze things. It will likely encourage your students to be hydrating more.
Some people truly struggle with drinking water because they don’t find it appealing. I’ve had to find my own ways to get myself to drink water. Shaming the child is not the way.
I don't think they really shamed the child. At least, hope not.
I don't think they did intentionally but it sounds like the child felt shamed. OP didn't do anything wrong but it's something to bear in mind going forward.
Oh ok.