is it true that if you give a hyper-active child coffee it mellows them out?

Answer 1

Caffeine is a stimulant, and it has been shown to work in a way similar to that of Ritalin, also a stimulant for most people. I have used coffee (with parental consent) as a simple, harmless test for ADHD in several children, and it does work, IF the child is a true case. I would never recommend using coffee on a regular basis without a doctor's support, but I have known some parents who did, and it helped their child in school without any detrimental effects.

If it doesn't work, then the child is probably not a true ADHD case, Ritalin would probably not work, and other methods of helping him/her focus and settle down need to be explored.

Answer 2

Yes and no, and it depends on many factors. Coffee is a stimulant, and it can stimulate different things. It can give a person more temporary energy, but it can also stimulate their brain so that they can concentrate.

Does your child have ADHD or a similar disorder, or is s/he just being normally exuberant? There are some ways to tell. Google it or try this link for more info:

ww.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm

If your child is just acting up, my guess would be that the caffeine would just make the child more hyper, more irritable, and even harder to put to sleep. However, if the child is like this because of a disorder, my guess would be that the caffeine will help them concentrate on, say, one game, and make them seem more mellow.

It sounds like its worth a try. Just give it in small amounts at first.

Answer 3

YES

My dd has ADHD. We've tried meds but I don't like the affect the have on her.

She loves the taste of coffee and once in a while we'll give her a small cup. It's amazing how calm it makes her.

Caffeine absorbs calcium from the body. So when my dd has caffeine we giver her extra calcium to combate that. It gives her a treat once in a while.

Answer 4

No, it definitely does NOT. The caffeine rush might be followed by a crash, certainly. Ritalin is technically a stimulant as well, but even that isn't the best option for most kids.

Answer 5

good grief! caffeine is a stimulant and stimulants such as this, peppermint,etc. should not be given to children. I'm horrified at the amount of parents claiming that their child has ADHD and are taking medication for this, unbelievable! I'm also horrified at some of the questions I'veseen on this site from adults in a supposedly educated society! Avoid additives in foods such as colourings and falvourings, especially all the EEE's (it's all what I call toxic waste). Camomile tea is calming, Also try giving omega 3 fish oil capsules daily. Cut out the additives, buy organic food, give fruit instead of sweets (or candies as you call them in America), natural drinks and see the improvements in 2 months ok?

Answer 6

I haven't heard that and normally wouldnt give a child coffee but I would certainly try that before I gave my child Ritalin or any other drug.
I would try it

Answer 7

Where in the world did that come from? How would CAFFEINE mellow a child out? Stay away from caffeine products.

Answer 8

i've heard that. i guess it comes from the fact that ritalin is actually a stimulant, and caffiene is also a stimulant. not sure if they work in the smae way, but a very small dose to try couldn't hurt

Answer 9

That does not make any sense why would you give a chikd coffee. Coffee has caffeine in it, caffeine gives you more energy, so it won't help calm anybody down.

Answer 10

My son has ADHD and I have tried it with him and it didnt work. Mabey it depends on the child though.