To make my 7 year old coffee

[McNewPants2013]

I heard that caffine has the opposite effect with children with austism/ ADHD.

My son has ADHD and after googling a bit it has conflicting advice.

Would you give a 7 year old coffee

[MadamFolly]

Seriously OP you would not believe the difference medication makes, I have worked with ADHD children and it is the difference between pleasant, helpful child and a little demon who could be so uncontrollable and unkind. You would not have thought it was the same child.

[thetrackisback]

OP A think you sound like you can't see the woods for the trees. Go see the doctor about medication you don't need to make decisions you can go and get information to make informed decisions.

Whilst your son is on holiday from school I would try some kind of caffeine based drink to see if there is any difference. You could be tying yourself in knots for no reason. It might not have an affect at all. I honestly can't see one or two glasses or cups being that damaging and it might just be what he needs. I think everyone is over thinking it!

[minouminou]

That's absolutely it, Threebee. It's a massive help. In a lot of ways, ADD people are more sensitive to other people's feelings, but just, quite literally, forget to watch out for and act on their perceptions. You're off and away in an eyeblink..... Slow that three-ring-circus-in-the-brain down a bit and it's like you've got a new person.


The good thing about the meds is that you can reduce/stop them over weekends and holidays.

I also used to (remember I started taking meds as an adult and so was more in control of my dosage) rate events/days out/boring duty-type days as "One, two or three Ritter" occasions. A wedding, for example, was a one-ritter...just enough to sit through the service and the polite BS without misbehaving or looking bored and restless. Then after the service and so on, I could relax, dance and get drunk!

A three-ritter would be a day of admin.

OP, I think you're doing the right thing. Give it a go - your son will be monitored and his dosage/medication adjusted/changed until you're getting the best effects.

[McNewPants2013]

No, because up till now I have thought that it would make his behaviour even worse and it wasn't a risk I was willing to make.

I am going to speak with his peadatricion about medication.

[Lueji]

Do you ever give him coke or pepsi?

[ThreeBeeOneGee]

DS2 said that the meds helped him to slow down and concentrate enough to observe those around him and interpret the social cues they were giving.

[minouminou]

No probs, my love.
Meds aren't a magic fix (although they will feel like it to your son!). There's still a lot of lessons to be learned and behaviour modification to be done....it's just that you're working with someone that's more like clay than mercury.
Which makes me sound bonkers......

We have a lot of ADD and dyslexia in both families....we have some high achievers, too.

[McNewPants2013]

Thank you for the post minouminou.

[minouminou]

I started drinking decent instant (as it were) at around age 11. But just one weak cup in the morning. Tbh, if he'sgot ADHD, he'd most likely need to be quaffing strong real coffee, and a lot of it to get any benefit.
This will not do his heart any good....and I think coffee inhibits the absorption of various nutrients.

On balance, I'd be looking at meds.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

No, I'm not defensive. I was just saying that I give it to them sometimes, but not before bedtime.

Also, I didn't read the whole thread before posting, so I have no opinion on adhd. I just think coffee is harmless in general.

[minouminou]

You're not failing him. Ritalin or similar isn't like a chemical cosh....it won't zombie-fy him. Neither you nor your parenting has failed.

[minouminou]

Adult ADD person here!
Anecdotally, I'm coffee-mad, but when I'm on Ritalin, I couldn't give a stuff for it! The caffeine is a stimulant, which is what you need for ADHD.

A good strong slug of coffee helps me to focus and pay attention, but the meds are better.

If he's seven, it might be worth thinking about Ritalin or similar. For me, it was a revelation.....do you know what....it made me feel better in myself. Calmer, no looking for trouble/stimulation. I could function better in social situations because I wasn't zipping off every few seconds and cutting people off mid-sentence.

Furthermore, being on the med for several years TAUGHT me how to behave better....I got better feedback from people.

[icklemssunshine1]

Ha ha just read back my post - sorry about the typos. So much for being reasonably intelligent ... :)

[icklemssunshine1]

Don't know about the medical research but my DM started giving me coffee (Mellow Birds so debatable whether that's coffee!) at 7 as I suddenly went off tea and she was if the belief all DCs need a good hit drink inside them! I'm now 34 & still hate tea but as a coffee drinker of nearly 30 years I'm fit, healthy & (reasonably!) intelligent! Since having DD I've only drunk de-caff though. Everything in moderation is the key I think! I say give it a go!

[toomuch2young]

Yes coffee can be useful for ADHD.
It is a stimulant you see, and a lot of medication for ADHD (Ritalin etc) are stimulants.
Stimulants have a calming effect on an ADHD brain rather than a stimulating effect and improved concentration.
As much as I hate doctor google - type in coffee and adhd.

[pumpkinsweetie]

As long as its instant, weak and milky then why not [busmile]

[TobyLerone]

When did coffee become a taboo for children (and tea for that matter).

Since always, IME.

[Timetoask]

I wouldn't give my dc anything which is addictive. Coffee is additive for me, I know everybody is different, but in my case I started with one coffee and I am now needing 3 or 4 to get the same level. I managed to stop for 3 months but needed one after feeling very tired and I'm hooked again.

I dont give my children hot cocolate every morning, or tea. Frankly I am horrified that people here are giving their young children coffee.

My son has learning difficulties and ADHD so I really do feel your pain. I have gone the medication route a very small dose. He is still himself.

[HollyBerryBush]

OP, I don't understand why you would deny your child prescribed medication, yet are happy to take advice of someone unqualified who googles. Putting that in perspective, you wouldn't decline insulin would you?

[thezebrawearspurple]

It won't harm him. There's nothing to lose by trying, if it doesn't work, fine, if it does then then your child benefits.

[sashh]

When did coffee become a taboo for children (and tea for that matter).

I remember being given milky coffee at school in the winter.

I don't remember not being offered tea or coffee as a child.

[McNewPants2013]

Katy you seem very defensive about children having coffee, if your children drinks it I respect your choice and there is no need to explain.

Thornrose it is okay, it kind of the kick in the butt I need.

[SquinkieBunnies]

My friends Ds has ADHD and is on medication. Her neurologist suggested giving her son coffee in the mornings before school. He was about 8 or 9 at the time and she did it, she made him a big milky coffee most days and a hot chocolate on others, she said it seemed to help him a bit, not sure if it really did.
I let my 7 year old have a small Latte or other milky drink of coffee, she never gets any sodas so no caffeine from that, it doesn't seem to have any affect on her at all.
Why is everyone so hung up on coffee, when it seems so many kids suck down coke on a daily basis from toddler age?

[formicaqueen]

no. Herbal tea yes.

[KatyTheCleaningLady]

My two oldest kids love coffee, ages 6 and 8. 6yo has loved it since he was a toddler.

They don't get it often because I don't make it often, but they are welcome to it when it's available. It's not like I give it to them just before bedtime.