Why did the colonial children drink beer?

It's a common misconception that colonial children regularly drank beer. Here's why:

* Beer was often safer than water: In colonial times, clean drinking water was scarce. Wells and rivers could be contaminated, leading to diseases. Beer, especially when brewed with strong hops, was often safer to drink as the alcohol and boiling process killed many harmful bacteria.

* Beer was a common beverage for adults: While beer was often consumed, children were typically given weaker versions (sometimes called "small beer" or "table beer") or diluted versions. The alcohol content in these beverages was significantly lower.

* Milk and water were also consumed: Colonial children were not exclusively reliant on beer. They drank milk and water when available, though milk was often scarce and expensive.

Important Note:

* Childhood consumption wasn't the norm: While some children might have had small amounts of beer, it was not a regular part of their diet, and it wasn't considered a primary source of hydration.

The idea that colonial children drank beer regularly is a common historical myth. It's important to remember that colonial life was challenging, and people made choices based on available resources and their knowledge of hygiene at the time.