Children and Caffeine
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If your child asked at what age would you consider letting them drink tea coffee or other caffeinated drinks? I exclude energy drinks as I dont think theyre particularly healthy for anyone and know they carry warnings. What are your thoughts?
Not sure about coffee but I had tea from a young age had my own mug, but they can have decaf tea bags
My son won't be getting tea, coffee or fizzy drinks with caffeine in until he is 12. That's the recommended age and even then it will be limited. I know there is decaf tea and coffee but still wouldn't give it to him till 12 as there is still caffeine in decaf tea and coffee.
I never gave mine coffee and I do not know anyone who gives their child coffee. But, when little, and more or less fully weaned, mine had very milky tea in their bottle with breakfast. I doubt I would do it now but at that time no one thought anything of it, it was considered quite normal.
My 2.5 year old loves tea. I buy decaff for her and she has max 2 a day and is 50/50 water and milk. I read it doesn't do them any harm and actually contains antioxidants. If sweetened not good and need to be careful with fully caffienated. I allow my 12 & 14 year old the occasional caffienated tea but not in the evenings.
I gave my 6 year old grandaughter a milky cup of tea when she asked for one (she didn't like it) but my daughter was very unhappy when she found out. It hadn't occured to me that it might be a problem, all of mine had the odd cup of tea from about 4 years old.
I wouldn't be very happy if my mother or mother in law gave my son a cup of tea. They always ask me if he is allowed something before they give it to him. It might not seem like a big deal but even small amounts of caffeine aren't recommended for children under 12. Then again I probably am a bit more protective of my son than is normal!
MrsCraig I have to say I used to check everything but as my granddaughter has got older and spent more and more time with us it's become more relaxed. I'm just glad my granddaughter didn't like it. Phew 
. I would not dream of letting her have coke or fizzy drinks but I had never put tea in that group.
Should kids drink coffee? No, but then why allow them to drink Coca Cola? Coca Cola still contains caffeine, too.
I was just thinking that. Kids drink coke from quite young from what i can see around me.
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