Every morning you have a fresh cup of coffee waiting for you in the kitchen and every morning your 9-year-old child wants to have it too, at least a sip or two?! The truth is that parents are responsible for introducing the “no” word, and when it comes to children, coffee is a big NO!
Yes, we all love coffee. But, while we drink it for the caffeine boost, coffee is not good for kids.
Studies have confirmed that caffeine can have numerous negative effects on children’s health, such as:
- calcium loss (don’t forget that caffeine is a diuretic)
- hyperactivity
- headache
- lost of appetite
- stomach problems
- insomnia
- nervousness
- problems with concentration
- increased blood pressure
In young kids, it doesn’t take a lot of caffeine to produce these effects.
To be worse, there is a chance that your kid is consuming way too much caffeine already. As you know, teas, sodas, energy drinks, chocolates and some sweets, also contain caffeine.
And the truth is that caffeine can be completely eliminated from the child’s diet since THERE IS NO NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR IT!
How to reduce your child’s caffeine intake
My first suggestion is to read food/drink labels. Choose foods/drinks that contain little or no caffeine. And of course, don’t forget to say NO when your kid asks to drink coffee.
Explain your kid that coffee is a grown up drink and tell them that it can have “kid’s coffee”. Here are some ideas:
- Hot cocoa can be a great kid’s version of black coffee
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream – instead of mocha coffee
- Milkshake is a great replacement for iced coffee or frappuccino
Even though there is a caffeine in cocoa, it still contains much less caffeine than regular coffee. It’s also a great way to get your kid to drink enough milk. Plus, you’ll have a lot of fun together! 
Thanks for stopping by. If you have any questions you can always ask in the comment section below or via CoffeeStylish Facebook page. If you like this post, I would appreciate if you gave it a Tweet, Pin, or Facebook Share. Thanks so much!
I’ve also shared this post on: Crystal&Co.
About Danijela
Coming around your blog’s posts for the first time. I love that way you express your ideas and views. Great Blog..
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Thank you. I am glad you like it and welcome to my blog!
hi Danijela, I have a 10 and 4 year old, both love the smell of coffee and would love to drink it. we don’t allow, however have given a little sip to the eldest (when the wee one is not looking).
generally enough to curb the enthusiasim.
love your blog!
Hello, Morgan. Yes, sip or two can’t heart and it can sometimes solve this problem. Especially if you make coffee really strong and black. Kids will usually never ask to drink it again.
I am glad to see that parents are aware of the fact that caffeine is bad for their kids. Thanks for sharing your story and for this kind words. Have a great weekend!
It’s funny that you mention how kids ask for just a sip or two of an adult’s coffee when they see them drinking it. My grandmother introduced me to coffee when I was an adolescent. I loved the way it smelled and I asked for a taste; it was delicious. When I was a teenager we would go shopping at Walmart in the middle of the night on the weekends and when we came home, she would brew a pot of coffee and we would sit at her kitchen table talking about anything and everything while drinking cup after cup. I think all of those positive experiences contribute at least a little bit to my absolute love of coffee now as an adult.
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Hi Holly, thanks for the comment. I was talking about really small children. Caffeine is just not good for them. As far as the teenagers, I agree that cup of coffee and long talks are precious. Still, i see teenagers drinking lot of coffee, all the time, and I can’t say that I approve this.
Thank goodness for hot chocolate! My kids would love to have coffee when I do (they know how much I love it), but are happy enough with a delicious cup of cocoa!
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WOW! What a great post. Thanks for sharing it last week in The Mommy Club. You were one of my featured projects this week! Thanks again and here is your feature: http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2012/11/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-72/
I’m giving your post a pin on Pinterest!
Oh, what a nice surprise!
I don’t know how to thank you. I love Crystal & Co. , so this really means a lot. Thank you Crystal!!!