Coffee is the most popular drink in the world. It is prepared and represented in different ways, and some like it dark and black, some take it with milk and sugar. Most of us addicted to it, and we need it to make it through the day without dosing off. But when it comes to kids, we get very conscious about what they eat and drink. If you are a coffee lover and you have kids, you certainly would have faced the dilemma of them asking for coffee and you not knowing if they are old enough to consume coffee or what age is the right age for coffee consumption? Its natural kids do what their parents do, and it intrigues them more if you refuse. So, what to when your kid asks for coffee? They will ask you if you can drink why they can’t drink. Sit with them and explain the scientific reasons why they can’t have coffee now. Here are some of the logical reasons I found that why kids should not be drinking coffee.
Too much caffeine can cause insomnia
Children between the age of five to twelve need 11 hours of sleep, while teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Coffee contains five times more caffeine than soda per serving. Caffeine stays up to 8 hours in the body. Drinking coffee messes up with the sleep cycle of children. Staying up late at night will give them a headache, and dark circles under the eyes and children don’t look good with puffy eyes and dark circles under their eyes. They won’t feel like leaving the bed in the morning and getting ready for school. This will also lead to a decrease in their concentration and focus at school. Many people think that kids need coffee to stay active and alert in the class, but children are already full of energy they don’t need that extra jolt of energy through coffee, this might make them hyperactive, restless and unable to concentrate.
Calcium loss is dangerous
Coffee interferes with the amount of calcium that is to be absorbed in the bones. For instance, every time you take 100mg of coffee, 6mg of calcium is lost. Now just think about the damage that it would cause in the growth of children. Studies show that coffee consumption in children results in stunted growth. Caffeine is diuretic in nature, and it causes increased urination, and inroad urination causes loss of calcium. Loss of calcium in the growing age will cause long term problems for children. Caffeine also causes loss of water from the body, which can leave kids dehydrated. Continuous dehydration can cause serious health problems.
Appetite-suppressant
Coffee is a stimulant, and therefore it is known for the loss of appetite. Men/women who want to lose their weight are often seen consuming a good amount of coffee in their daily routines. But this is not the case for children. They need a lot of nutrients for their growth, and it is essential and important for them to have a healthy diet. If they start consuming coffee and their appetite is decreased, they might have deviancies that would affect their growth. They need a full, healthy diet that includes whole grains, proteins, vegetables and fruits. If children start skipping their meals due to coffee consumption meals, they won’t be as fresh, active and focused in their studies and extra-curricular activities as compared to children who don’t drink coffee and have a proper three-time meal.
Single-serve coffee makers add the extra cost
The single-serve coffee makers have made coffee so much expensive, plus you can only use a specific type of capsules with every machine. There is no doubt that single-serve coffee machines make coffee making convenient, but it is really not worth the cost. Kids can easily get addicted to caffeine and start drinking Frappuccinos, cappuccinos, lattes and all sorts of fancy coffees, and this can cost you almost a semester’s college fee. You already have enough responsibilities with the kids; you don’t want an unaffordable caffeine addiction. The single-serve coffee makers are getting very popular in the market, but they are overpriced. They cost you twice the price of making coffee the traditional way. They are just fancy coffee pods and are no better than the brewed coffee you make.
Anxiety trigger
Caffeine works differently for different people. For some, it may enhance their mood, and for others, it may make it worse. Caffeine is an anxiety trigger, adults who have an anxiety issue, and they know about it tend to avoid drinking coffee. A child may have anxiety, and it is possible that it may be under control in normal conditions, but as soon as he/she starts consuming coffee, the caffeine can really increase the anxiety, and if not checked, the child can suffer from serious anxiety attacks. Children can also suffer from swiftly changing mood swings and have behavioral problems. Caffeine is absorbed in everybody tissue. It increases the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Caffeine is an addictive substance and children should not be addicted to something that is not good for their health.
I don’t find a single reason good enough for letting children drink coffee. No parent on earth would want their children to suffer from insomnia or a loss of appetite or anxiety attacks. Coffee is no good for adults either, but their body is stronger to handle the caffeine. Children in their growing age should eat healthy things instead of getting addicted to coffee. There are a number of ways to keep children active and alert during studies instead of just giving them a cup of coffee. You cannot control your children always once they grow up, they might start drinking coffee, but the best suited time for allowing them to drink coffee is after puberty. After going through all the hormonal changes, their bodies will be better able to handle caffeine at adulthood.