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AIBU?

To make my 7 year old coffee

64 replies

McNewPants2013 · 31/03/2013 19:25

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

OP posts:

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Remotecontrolduck · 31/03/2013 20:22

I don't think personally it has much impact on ADHD, but a milky or decaff coffee is fine for a 7 year old, if they like it (a lot of kids don't)

Nothing to lose by giving it a go, it's not crack

livinginwonderland · 31/03/2013 20:23

most seven year olds probably wouldn't like it, to be honest! i know i tried coffee at that age (my dad drank it all the time) and it was way too bitter for me. adding sugar to make it drinkable would probably negate any positive effects.

ThreeBeeOneGee · 31/03/2013 20:24

I understand that the medication thing is a big decision. We waited for two years to start it, until we had tried what felt like everything else under the sun. In the end, we gave it a trial to see if it would help him cope with the school day. The results were dramatic and pretty miraculous. The bonus side-effect is that his eczema disappeared (we wonder whether it might have been caused by the anxiety of trying to get through every day with untreated ADHD).

If you do decide to try the medication, remember it's not a permanent decision. You can always stop it again.

Redbindy · 31/03/2013 20:29

Coffee and seven year olds don't really mix. This is because of the risks posed by hot water. The odd can of Red Bull is quite alright.

McNewPants2013 · 31/03/2013 20:30

Thanks for the diffrent opinions going to discuss the medication with DH and the peadatricion.

I just feel I have failed by giving into him having medication, which I know is illogical.

OP posts:

ThreeBeeOneGee · 31/03/2013 20:34

It might be illogical, but I spent most of that week in tears.

thornrose · 31/03/2013 20:35

Oh I SO understand that sense of failure but honestly I've seen the effects it can have on ADHD, it could change your ds's life.

McNewPants2013 · 31/03/2013 20:35

It such a hard decision and while I am typing I can feel myself almost crying.

OP posts:

thornrose · 31/03/2013 20:37

Imagine if your ds had a medical condition would you withhold medication?

UniS · 31/03/2013 20:41

yes, I would try a 7 year old with coffee. My 6 year old tried coffee ( didn't like it, but likes coffee flavour) and likes drinking weak milky tea. Not every day, but sometimes.

Would I try and dose a 7 yr old who has ADHD with so much caffeine it changed their behaviour... not with out having a chat with a health care professional whos opinion I trusted.

McNewPants2013 · 31/03/2013 20:42

I suppose I am.

If he had a pain I would give him calpol ect so I really don't know why this is an issue but it is iygwim

OP posts:

thornrose · 31/03/2013 20:47

It's a massive issue. I have withheld giving meds to my dd up to now and she is 13. I think I'm ready but I still struggle so I don't say this lightly.
The thing is my dd has AS and it's a bit more complex.
I've worked with boys with ADHD and I can't believe the difference.

McNewPants2013 · 31/03/2013 20:47

I am logging of MN for the night but will come back to this thread when I can tommorow

OP posts:

thornrose · 31/03/2013 20:47

Ok sorry if I've hounded you .

KatyTheCleaningLady · 31/03/2013 22:07

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.

formicaqueen · 31/03/2013 22:47

no. Herbal tea yes.

SquinkieBunnies · 31/03/2013 23:36

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?

McNewPants2013 · 01/04/2013 00:01

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.

OP posts:

sashh · 01/04/2013 06:05

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.

thezebrawearspurple · 01/04/2013 06:39

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.

HollyBerryBush · 01/04/2013 07:06

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?

Timetoask · 01/04/2013 07:36

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.

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TobyLerone · 01/04/2013 08:27

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

Since always, IME.

pumpkinsweetie · 01/04/2013 08:29

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

toomuch2young · 01/04/2013 08:40

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.

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