At what age would you let your kids drink coffee?

Answer 1

Coffee is pretty much the same as cola-- it's caffeine. If you let them drink Pepsi or Coke, you may as well let them have coffee. Not all children are the same, though. Some get very hyperactive when they have caffeine; some will have trouble sleeping at night, especially if they drink it in the evening or late afternoon. There are some children who are actually calmed by caffeine-- those with a chemical imbalance similar to ADD. Most kids really don't like coffee very much, and will not want much of it anyway. When our kids asked for coffee, we gave them a small amount, with lots of milk and a bit of sugar, and they would take a few sips and not finish it. As they grew up, some developed a taste for it and some did not. I don't think there is any particular age for it. Just start out with small amounts and see what effect it has on the child. Then you can decide whether they should drink it again or not. They may not even like it.

Incidentally... lots of other drinks have caffeine: tea, chocolate milk, Mountain Dew, some root beers and some orange soda as well... check the labels, and watch out-- if your kids are sensitive to caffeine.

Answer 2

I've been drinking coffee regularly since I was 12.

That crap about coffee stunting a person's growth is an old wive's tale. Any doctor would tell you so. I'm all grown up now and I'm 5'8. For a woman, that is certainly not stunted.

People handle caffiene differently. Some get addicted, some don't.

Anyone who compares drinking coffee to smoking is a total moron. Anyone who is THAT stupid should be killed.

If your kid wants to start drinking coffee, I would say to go ahead and let them unless they are the type that are sensitive to caffiene.

Answer 3

We make our kids Baby Latte's by taking just a little bit of coffee in the bottom of a cup with a little sugar and adding milk to the top. Its basically coffee flavored milk and kids like the idea of a "grown up" drink.

Answer 4

Well i am hispanic and most people in our culture let kids drink coffee at a very young age. I was probably drinking it since i was 5. My mom always made it very light with lots of milk. It really depends on what you think.

Answer 5

I've been drinking coffee since I was about 12. I always liked it. Actually caffeine has a 'calming' effect on kids (opposite of adults).. I don't think a little coffee would hurt anyone.

Answer 6

I'm not a parent yet but I have been allowed to drink coffee (from my dad) since I was like 2...same with my brother and sister. My mom didn't like us to, but my dad let us so it was all good. I don't see the harm in it as long as it's not all the time.

Answer 7

You really shouldn't because it isnt good for development and could stunt your child's growth. Plus.. since coffee has the type of taste that would require a lot of sugar for a child to like it.. they may over do it with sugar and you could be putting your kid at risk for diabetes since caffeine is addictive.
However, if anytime at all, I'd wait until my child was at least 17 to have coffee, but even then I'd let it be her idea.

Answer 8

If the worst thing that your kid does is drink coffee than count your blessings. There is just as much caffeine in some soda's. I think as long as it is in moderation preteens can have a cup now and then.

Answer 9

I wouldn't. Coffee along with sodas are are not healthy for children. I think I had my 1st cup at like 15 or 16 years old. If your child wants to drink what you are give them some warm milk or hot coco as a treat instead.

Answer 10

If they pay for it--meaning they have a job then they can drink it. I don't drink coffee and neither does my husband except on rare occasion so my kid would be kind of on their own.