to think that giving coffee to a 6 year old at 7.30 at night is daft.

[MammaTJ]

Went to church last night. We go once a month because my DDs are involved in a church organisation.

After the service there is tea and coffee and squash available.

I went with my DD and got a cup of tea for me and she cheekily asked for milk, which they gave her.

Sat down, chatting to a friend. DDs playing nicely.

Then I saw DD carrying a different mug. She had asked for coffee and been given it. I know the ladies serving drinks are very kind and sweet. But we are not even talking a normal 6 year old here, we are talking the Duracell Bunny on speed at the best of times. I took the coffee off her, retuned it and said with a smile that she is not allowed coffee.

I know the ladies don't know her but am I the only one a bit at someone even thinking it is ok to give coffee to a 6 year old or AIBU?

ahhhhhhh in doubt Get an A syndrome.....

My rules are:
Definitely no coffee for a six year old.
No carrying hot drinks.
No coke either (unless it's a super special occasion and it'd be really hard to refuse)

You did right to return it and say she's not allowed it,but you can't hold them responsible.

I can remember being given coffee at primary school if it was a cold day.

six year olds are perfectly capable and old enough to drink hot drinks, why on earth wouldn't some people let them??

Lots of reasons re coffee. For example:
Caffine - it's a stimulant, it stresses the adrenal glands among other things. It can cause/trigger migraines
Acrylamide - a neurotoxin & animal carcinogen
Polyphenols in coffee interfer with the absorption of iron.

Plus it's addictive - why would you want to introduce an addictive substance into the diet of children? Personally I'd prefer to let them make their own decisions about coffee drinking when they are older.

DD likes nettle tea, when she asks for a hot drink she will have a hot chocolate or a nettle tea.

Disclaimer: I've been drinking coffee daily since I was about 12.

Plus drinking coffee adds nothing nutritionally to a child's diet, whilst it's may diminish appetite, and use up other nutrients from the diet to metabolise (thereby for every cup eaten you will need to eat more food/nutrients just to maintain a neutral position).

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all if you choose not to allow your 6 year old coffee, it wouldn't bother me but its your choice. However not really sure why you feel those serving the tea and coffee had any responsibility to supervise your childs choices.