In Davis, Calif., fast food workers defaulted this year to asking kids if they wanted milk or water instead of soda. Also earlier this year, Dairy Queen joined Burger King and McDonald’s in removing soda and other unhealthy items from its menu. Now, Applebee’s and IHOP join the ranks in taking soda off their kids’ menus in the hope of fighting the childhood obesity epidemic.

“We believe this is a small step in assisting parents while dining out, as parents are in the best position to determine the appropriate food and beverage choices for their children,” Craig Hoffman, a spokesman for the company DineEquity that owns Applebee’s and IHOP, told ABC News.

Soda volumes are down 14 percent since 2004, and other fast food restaurants are also seeing a demise in sales due to public health movements to reinvigorate the nation’s diet. But there’s still a long way to go: According to the CDC, the number of obese children aged 6-11 in the U.S. has increased from 5 percent in 1980 to 21 percent in 2012, accounting for nearly one-third of the child population. Large portions and fast food rich in fat, salt, and sugar still reign in America, which is why many fast food chains are aiming to turn things around.

Sodas and other sugary drinks account for a large part of the unhealthy calories consumed by the average American. Drinking soda can have a large impact on your body. (Here’s a description of what happens when you stop drinking soda.)

Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, believes places like Applebee’s and IHOP will make a difference by proving to parents that healthier options are available. “This sends a message to parents and allows parents to make a healthier choice,” Benjamin told ABC News. “It doesn’t create habit, but it does send a message to parents. When you have … a menu that has healthier food options and beverages for kids, parents learn that that’s a better option for kids than having a sugary beverage with their meal.”