Do you allow your 7 year old to drink or have coffee?

Renee - posted on 10/12/2009

My son is 3 years old and likes coffee and tea. I only drink decaf with milk in it so I do not see the big deal in letting have some of mine.

Audra - posted on 10/07/2009

i wonder how many people who drink coffee know that it has tanic acid in it..... that is the same stuff they use to tan cow hides.

Connie - posted on 10/07/2009

ok, so yes,i let my girls drink coffee or rather coffee flavored milk as it has more coffee than anything. my grandfather gave it to me when i was little and it made me feel special. it certainly didnt stunt my growth as i am 5'7. and i have never had issues either myself or my children being hyper active. i believe most foods are fine in moderation.

Kitty - posted on 10/07/2009

No I wouldnt even at 14 but she does.. my son is 5 and never will he tried a sip and didnt like the taste

Jennifer - posted on 10/07/2009

I respect the fact that many people give their children coffee/caffeine to help their ADD/ADHD or perhaps it's culturally acceptable where they are from. Whether or not you let your child drink coffee is your decision and no one has the right to criticize you for it. We could just as easily criticize someone for letting their child chew gum or eat food items with too much sugar. And what about the parent that feeds their child McDonald's all the time? At least the coffee won't rot his teeth or clog his arteries. If my son wants to taste my coffee than that is fine. But I will also explain that it is a grown up drink so he can't have a whole cup.

Beth - posted on 10/07/2009

I think it's too young.

If she wants to then maybe try decafe or go with herbal teas that are all natural with no caffein in it.

Rosamond - posted on 10/07/2009

I don't see that as a problem, my kids do the same, but I buy coffee syrup and put it in their milk and it tastes just like coffee.

Renee - posted on 10/07/2009

2 words - No Way!

Laura - posted on 10/06/2009

DECAFE!

Stephanie - posted on 10/06/2009

My kids are 4 and 5... they asked to try my coffee, so I made a pot just so they could try it.. I made it strong and black. They never asked again!

Shalan - posted on 10/06/2009

I know this is going to sound crazy but mixing a little bit of coffee to milk is the only way I could get my son to drink milk from 5-8 year old. I would not give him alot just enough to flavor the milk. He is now almost 16 and is close to 6 feet so it did not stunt is growth. I did not know about the coffee for ADHD so know I will be giving my 8 year old some to see if it will help with his ADHD. And my neice is almost 4 we have been letting her have coffee flavor milk not much and it is waterd down also since she was 2. It kept her from trying to get ours and spilling it.

Allison - posted on 10/06/2009

I am a barista at a coffee shop- So, needless to say, I love coffee! I do not,however think children should drink it :( It's so hard (i have two little boys) There are many alternatives that make children believe they are drinking just what you are. I have a cheap ($40 maybe) espresso machine... Everytime I drink a latte I make the boys a steamer (milk and flavoring warmed by the steaming wand) To be honest, they think they're drinking coffee w/ me :) decaff Teas and chocolate milk work well too.

Amy - posted on 10/06/2009

Sometimes when they ask for it... about once a month. They could never drink an entire cup, or 8 oz, but they LOVE to have a litte coffee in their milk in a coffee cup. Better for them than that chocolate bar! Just saying... really, what are you worried about? Obviously, you wouldn't pour your kid a cup of black coffee at 6 pm... nor would 7 year old want todrink that... but an ounce of coffee in a cup of milk on Saturday morning once in a while? That is good memories being made... I think some of these women are a bit extreme.

Nina - posted on 10/06/2009

why in the world did your aunt even think of giving the child coffee? Had she heard of that before? I know that definitely wouldn't of been my first choice.

Robin - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting Sharon:

Yes, I did. It didn't stunt their growth. My children are all grown now. My boys are all over 6 ft. tall. My daughter is around 5' 7" or there abouts. It's no worse than tea or coke. I feel as long as their getting the nutrition they need, it's ok.

Yeah and we dont let even my 7 yr old step daughter have tea or coke, if she wants pop she can have sprite, root beer, orange or anything CAFFEINE FREE!!!!

Robin - posted on 10/06/2009

WHAT ARE YOU NUTS!!! You know my step daughter wants some just to feel grown up when hubby wants something from the coffee stand, so we get her a cocoa and call it a coffee!



I am completely against even giving them coffee or those stupid energy drinks as a teen!!!! One they DONT NEED IT, two people are not fully developed or done growing believe it or not until the age of TWENTY FIVE, those things stunt their growth, and the teen energy drink craze is bad too, those have been also proven to cause seizures!!! I myself have been off of all caffeine for SEVEN YEARS!



You as an adult may have chosen to drink it but its just INSANE to give it to your child!!! Coffee is not good for you to begin with much less developing bodies!!!!



I have a question about parents to teens WHY LET THEM DRINK IT? THEY ALSO DONT NEED IT! AND YOU CAN TELL THEM NO!!! When my step daughter and son and baby on the way get to be an adult they can choose, but I AM NOT RAISING THEM THAT WAY!!! IT IRRITATES ME TO NO END THAT PARENTS THINK ITS FINE TO GIVE THEIR TEEN COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS!!!



IM EVEN MORE IRRITATED THAT SCHOOLS HAVE POP MACHINES AND ENERGY DRINKS READY AND AVAILABLE FOR TEENS WITH OUT THEIR PARENTS PERMISSION!!!!!!!! BELIEVE ME I WILL BE HAVING A FIT WITH THE SCHOOL FOR SOME TIME BEFORE THEY GET THAT AGE!!!!! OR JUNK FOOD MACHINES, WHY DONT THEY HAVE THOSE REFRIDGERATED MACHINES THAT HAVE FRUIT IN THEM OR A HEALTHY SANDWHICH FOR A SNACK!!!

Shirley - posted on 10/06/2009

Parents are responsible for introducing the "no" word. Caffeine is a negative for young children and a perfect time to just say no!

Carol - posted on 10/06/2009

this is honestly the most screwed up thread I've ever seen, if your child wants what you're drinking its ONLY because thats what you're drinking, not because they actually want it. so if you NEED your coffee so bad, that you have to drink it in front of your child, give them some milk, it a coffee mug, they'll never know the difference.

may I remind everyone, even though we as a society have become completely comfortable with drinking caffeine, it is still considered a drug, has negative effects and is overall not healthy for the human body, why would you be giving it to your child, who is young, still developing and not consciously choosing to drink it?

Michelle - posted on 10/06/2009

No! I dont think they need it. I have a had time watching my 14 yr old step daughter drink it. I know its very addicting because I drink it every morning and am cranky without it.

Amy - posted on 10/06/2009

My daughter was the same way with my mom, I always thought it was more milk than coffee. She drank it for quite a while. Come to find out it was more coffee. My daughter finally decided that she didn't want to drink it anymore by herself. Her drinking the coffee never bothered me and it didn't bother her health. Every once in a while she will have a cup in the morning.

Belinda - posted on 10/05/2009

Definatley not. Children under the age of 15 should not be having it as it is very bad for them. Plus they can become addicted to it. Anything with caffine should be well limited with kids their bodies just can't handle it. If you are having a coffee why not make a hot chocloate for your son so he can have his own hot drink and you can have your coffee. Not only does it mean that you won't be pestered for some of yours, you won't be worrying about the effects of the coffee ( long and short term) on your son but he'll feel special too!

Paulina - posted on 10/05/2009

I don't think that he should I dont' like when my mother in law gives my daughter i think they have too much energy already

Yusarima Puteri - posted on 10/05/2009

Once my son mistakenly drink coffee, he was so active n talking fast that I never give him to drink coffee until he's 16..

Tiffany - posted on 10/05/2009

My kids don't drink soda...I don't want them to form the habit. Sometimes as parents we do this and our kids point out the obvious..."if it's bad for us then why do you do it"? I think that might be our call to "quit" whatever it is we are trying to restrict them from...easier said than done.

Lena - posted on 10/05/2009

I don't let none of my daughters (4.5,10,13 years old) to drink coffee. For the oldest one i think that the time to start it's coming slowly slowly. But i try as much as i can to avoid it. Our coffe is too heavy and they have many years in front of them to drink it. I try to give them something different and more healthy...

Hope - posted on 10/05/2009

noway they are too young, i don't belive a child should have coffee at all. My kids are 13 and 15 and they have never drink coffee,I think it's for adults only.

Jenn - posted on 10/05/2009

No coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages for my kids - that includes pop! My 3 1/2 year old has had small amounts of Root Beer as a treat before - but only a few times - and that doesn't have caffeine anyway. And he also doesn't eat much chocolate or any other candy for that matter.



Some of my friends get their kids iced caps to drink - but I don't think they should have it - they are hyper enough!

Shawna - posted on 10/05/2009

heck no i told my daughter when she is 13 years old we will see about coffee but not at 7 i think its too young

Laura - posted on 10/05/2009

My son used to always wwant to drink coffee w/ my mom when he was a baby. She told him he could have some when he was 3. When he turned 3 and wanted coffee, she would pour a little in a cup, add a little sugar and lots of milk. I just don't think it can be too much worse for a kid than colas or kool-aide. Other cultures use coffee at a very young age.

Tawni - posted on 10/05/2009

My parent's and grandparent's started giving me coffee at 8 months!!! I'm still a coffee lover to this day. I'm not going to give my son coffee that early but I probably will let him have some when he gets older like your son. And like Kristen said, the whole thing about it stunting your growth is definitely not true because my Dad and Uncle had coffee even younger than me and my Dad is 6'4 and my uncle is 6'0!

Tawni - posted on 10/05/2009

My parent's and grandparent's started giving me coffee at 8 months!!! I'm still a coffee lover to this day. I'm not going to give my son coffee that early but I probably will let him have some when he gets older like your son. And like Kristen said, the whole thing about it stunting your growth is definitely not true because my Dad and Uncle had coffee even younger than me and my Dad is 6'4 and my uncle is 6'0!

Sarah Jane - posted on 10/05/2009

i'd NEVER let my children drink coffee there no way. they have a cup of tea for breakfast with toast an hot milk b4 bed an thats it. juice or water in the day

Jennifer - posted on 10/05/2009

I dont let mine have soda either, except when we are at their grandmas house or at a cookout. The doctor told me that soda corrodes their teeth and my oldest has already had too many cavities from us letting him have as much as he wanted when he was younger and I didn't know any better. It saves money too bc soda is expensive especially if you dont like generic brands.

April - posted on 10/05/2009

My son is 7 years old and on Saturda mornings (if he reminds me) I will make him a small mug of "Brennin coffee". It is hot chocolate with a little french vanilla creamer. He thinks that he tastes like coffee and is very excited when he gets to have it.

Jennifer - posted on 10/05/2009

Ocaisonally I do, not on a regular basis I let the boys (8, 9 and 11)bc it counteracts their ADHD medicine. I do buy them decaff from time to time and let them use creamer or milk and splenda like I do in my coffee. If they aren't overly hyper like mine are I dont think it would hurt but not more than a small cup and not load it down with lots of creamer or sugar like mine try to do when they make their cup.

Laura - posted on 10/05/2009

I don't think a sip or two will hurt. My son who is now four probably starting sipping bits at 1 or so. He now loves chocolate milk with creamer. Though, chocolate has caffeine too. I think if it isn't excessive, there shouldn't be an issue. We still share sips of our coffee (though I switched to decaf) and tea. My parents gave us tea regularly, we are healthy. I think it's your decision - go with your gut!

Sharon - posted on 10/05/2009

Yes, I did. It didn't stunt their growth. My children are all grown now. My boys are all over 6 ft. tall. My daughter is around 5' 7" or there abouts. It's no worse than tea or coke. I feel as long as their getting the nutrition they need, it's ok.

Jayna - posted on 10/04/2009

no!

Cheryl - posted on 10/04/2009

My youngest loves my coffee with irish creamer! Yes, I do make up a little cup...BUT it is of decaf instant(1/2 of recommended amount) with my creamer in it. It generally is once a week or when I am so inclined to make a pot of coffee for myself. I would rather him have the decaf coffee than a hot chocolate with all the sugar and I have even heated up unsweetened ice tea for him to drink! I don't think that it is an issue with as much caffeine is in a Sunkist or a Root Beer...for crying out loud! Yes I let my son drink decaf coffee with sugar free creamer! LOL

Cheryl - posted on 10/04/2009

My youngest loves my coffee with irish creamer! Yes, I do make up a little cup...BUT it is of decaf instant(1/2 of recommended amount) with my creamer in it. It generally is once a week or when I am so inclined to make a pot of coffee for myself. I would rather him have the decaf coffee than a hot chocolate with all the sugar and I have even heated up unsweetened ice tea for him to drink! I don't think that it is an issue with as much caffeine is in a Sunkist or a Root Beer...for crying out loud! Yes I let my son drink decaf coffee with sugar free creamer! LOL

PJ - posted on 10/04/2009

I do not allow my children to drink coffee. They aren't allowed to have soda so definelty no coffee. They actually think that the flavored carbonated water is pop so there dont know any different.

Michele - posted on 10/04/2009

My 7 year old daughter likes to drink coffee on occassion, but I make sure it is decaffinated.

Rebecca - posted on 10/04/2009

I joke with my husband saying our son will be at the bus stop for the first day with his coffe cup in hand because he loves the smell of coffee. he has tipped over my husbands cup before on the floor adn then licked the floor and ever sicne has loved it. we dont allow him to drink any but he climbs on us to get a smell...he's 2 years old...i hope he grows out of it!

Becky - posted on 10/04/2009

Of course children don't need coffee... just like they don't need Coke/ Pepsi, fries or fast food in general, chocolate bunnies or bags of Halloween candy. When we have people over and have a pot of coffee going, sitting around chatting...one of the little girls asked for some too.. that's when we came up with "milk coffee". A smallish cup with a little sugar and 2 or 3 tablespoons of coffee. After awhile it passes. But one by one they each had such a good time playing grown up with us mom's and aunts and gramma's. Meema

Lisa - posted on 10/04/2009

No way.

Ashlie - posted on 10/04/2009

I have a 5 year old who was very curious about it at one point. I let her try a few sips, then explained to her that it is an adult drink. I said, "ok, you tried it, now let mommy finish. I don't drink your chocolate milk, so you don't need to drink all my coffee."

DeAnna - posted on 10/04/2009

My son started to show interest in coffee when he would come home from his grandmothers(my mom) house. Then I noticed something that I have mixed feelings about, He was calm after having a sip or two. He is 8. He doesn't drink it all the time. I have coffee maybe once a week and everyother week he gets some, about a quarter cup with cream. I am studying to become a holistic health practioner and I feel like coffee is a medicine of sorts. I use herbs for calming like chammomile. But for my son, occasional coffee calms him.

Cristy - posted on 10/04/2009

no I never let my son have coffee I told him once he is 12 then he can start to drink coffee

Angela - posted on 10/04/2009

A sip or two is no big deal in my book.... kids mimic what they see us do we just need to be careful what we do :) Nothing wrong with coffee in my book

Socorro - posted on 10/04/2009

To: Tami Lymburner:



Thanks! I just did. :-)