What age were your DC when they had their first cup of tea?

[NotMyUsualNameNoSiree]

As a very small child I remember drinking chamomile tea (with MILK, thanks mum), because I wanted to drink tea like a grown up - I think I had my first cup of proper tea at my grandma's house when I was 5 or 6.

I just realised, I had no idea what the norm is these days - when did your DCs have their first cuppa?

(I don't think I've ever used the term 'cuppa' before - I quite like it).

I was about a year old when I first had tea. Nan's was the best - lots of sugar! My own children were much the same age when they first drank it. It's still my addiction drink of choice to this day.

When they asked for one. Ds was about 3 when I gave him tea, DD is 2 and has tea every few days.

I don't understand people saying their kids have never had tea. I don't get it? As a nation of tea drinkers is it seen as a bad thing?

Kids like a hot drink too sometimes and it's a less sugar alternative to hot chocolate.

Oh I give them milky tea half milk half tea. Otherwise it's too hot

17 & 14, never to my knowledge but they might have at their dad's.

I don't recall trying it at home, but knew I didn't like it. Can't stand the smell, turns my stomach.
I was given a cup at 14 when I visited a friend's nana (wasn't asked just given) and though it would be rude not to drink it. I managed to drink about 1/6th of it.

I don't drink coffee at home either, I do have 1 cup in the morning when I get to work - just a habit thing (working at home now and haven't had a cup in 2 months).
Dc's don't drink coffee either.

Their dad, me parents, their other grandparents, my late DH and current DP, plus other family members all drink tea & coffee.

They do like hot chocolate.

I thought tea prevented iron absorption so wasn't to be given to children.

The tannin in tea (& coffee) affects iron absorption so it's not recommended that children have either.

Mine didn't have tea or coffee until they were old enough to make their own decisions about drinking it.

Youngest is 12 & hasn't had either.

There's nothing worse than seeing a baby/toddler drinking tea from a manky stained bottle

Neither my husband nor I ever drink tea so it didn't occur to me to give it to our children. I remember when they were in their early teens we were at someone's house and were offered a cup of tea. I said 'no thanks, none of us drink tea' and was very surprised when both children said 'yes we do'. Unknown to me, both had been having tea when at friends' houses.

They now in the earlier 20s. One never drinks tea. The other one loves it.

Probably about 2, decaff tea and very milky!

They've never had it. I don't drink it and never have so didn't give it to them.

DS was 2 when he started minesweeping the ends of our tea so I bought him some decaf and make it with mostly milk now when he asks.

2 year old - I drink decaf and he wanted mummies drink. I went sod it you won't like it. He did.

My two took slurps of my tea from about 2 years. They didn’t start having their own till about 4, usually very milky with a bit of sugar. Now at 6 & 9 they often make their own.

My 18yo dd wants to like it but doesn't!!!! 😂😂 it's no big deal. Other things in life to think about

8, 12 & 15 y/o DC have a cup at morning break from 'school' most days. Tea that is, I can't bear coffee so have never offered it to them.

My 21month old son enjoys a weak milky decaf tea and has done since around 15months. I'd say around 3 times a week.

but it's wrong for me to have luxuries like coffee

Oh gosh, this made me feel a little sad. Are you ok?

DS is 3 and has had occasional cups since 2

He has his own mini mug. Half water with a second dip of my teabag, then half milk. He loves it.

Mine didn't have tea or coffee until they were old enough to make their own decisions about drinking it

This is still tea we're talking about, yes? Not alcohol or drugs?

Very milky tea from about 3. Both DD's very into tea. It is very much a thing in my DD's groups. They go for afternoon teas, and have cupboards full of loose tea. All DD's mates had nespresso's at uni. So I don't think it is dying out at all.

Rockbird caffeine IS a drug.

Curious as to what people drink if not tea or coffee, obviously water, but what else?

And orange juice has an alcohol content. But I don't think anyone is using fruit juice as a gateway drug. I also doubt anyone is giving their toddler shots of espresso.

DS is 5 and has the occasional very milky tea, quarter of a cup. His reason is mainly for dunking biscuits

Neither of mine have had it (4 and 2). Tea can prevent iron absorption, it's not great for children.

I always have just seen it as an adults drink too. I don't give mine squash either, they have water, milk or the occasional bit of diluted orange juice as a treat so maybe I am just quite strict with drinks.

Ok, this thread has cheered me up on a glum Monday.

Off to shoot up with my toddler before we head to the local park to share a white lightning and some waccy baccy.