To refuse to let DD drink coffee?

[TheKeyToTheJungle]

DD (13) is constantly asking me if she can drink/try coffee. So far I have been saying no because I don't want her to get addicted to it like I am, I have both DD and also a 1yo DS as well as a very demanding job and I just can't function without coffee because I'm always exhausted and need it to function. Coffee helps to keep me alert every day when I'm exhausted, honestly wouldn't be able to function without coffee. DH thinks that I should 'consider' letting DD try it but I'm worried that she will end up addicted like me. Aibu to not let DD drink coffee?

This place is mad. “”Let” your daughter drink coffee ??!!

It’s fine to drink coffee. Dissuade her from crack

I wouldn’t stress about it. My 5 year old went through a “coffee” phase. You just make it milky or decaf and choose a small dainty cup. It’s not like she will have a bucket.
The phase lasted about 2 months and now she rarely asks or sometimes wants the foam of my cappuccino when we go to cafes.
I would worry far more about energy drinks at that age. They contain more caffeine and extra sugar.

It's fine. I've been drinking coffee since I was a baby.

It wont harm her

A bot has written this 🤣 clearly

My 13 year old DD loves coffee

Well that's tough tits isn't it. It's a compromise and you're the adult.

This is a bit bonkers. If you don't want to be dependent on caffeine, you could just stop drinking it. You might have a few rubbish days until you have adjusted but you can absolutely stop having it if you want to.

I drink coffee every day but it doesn't upset my life if I can't have it. I just enjoy a cup or two with my breakfast and that's it. Happy to have decaf instead if that's what is on offer.

I think the problem here is your relationship with caffeine, which is at least partly psychological, not whether or not your daughter should try it.

You're obsessed with the idea of addiction. You should have two espresso shots per day, about an hour and a half after you wake up. You'll have a few headaches but you'll be fixed your 'addiction' within 5 days.

Then let your DD try it.

My 13yo has the odd coffee. Really he likes a milky latte. I sneakily use the decaf pods. I also drink decaf after about 3 anyway.

I've been drinking it black, no sugar, since I was 14. I liked the intensity.

She's 13 not 3. You're making it much more tempting by forbidding it.

Why so much weird interest in coffee? You've made it attractive to her by making it into a big thing. Why don't you try to get more sleep and have a less stressful lifestyle.

It’s coffee, not crack

I've been drinking coffee since I was younger than your DD, I didn't start relying on it until much later, in my 20s. It's not a restricted substance, if she wants it she'll end up drinking it anyway.

She’s 13! She can probably buy it in the school canteen! I thought this thread would be about a preschooler!

It's not crystal meth

I drink lots of coffee at least 10 cups a day usually just instant, and have been since I was about early teens.
I just like the taste and warmth of it, sometimes I have tea instead but don't like the taste quite as much.
I don't feel that the cafine has any effect on me at all, if I feel ill I go off it for a few days with no headaches or other effects, I didn't drink any when I was pregnant as I went off the taste.
My DS also finds coffee has no effect other than tasting good.

Wow, I'm so surprised by a lot of these posts.

Absolutely no fucking way am I giving my kids a stimulant before 15/16. Not even decaf.

And no, I don't allow pop or fizzy drinks unless it's for an occasion or a massive treat. If we allow it, it's a clear one like appletiser or lemonade. We also limit chocolate and sweets but do allow those within reason.

It's a weird British obsession to give kids tea and coffee. There's absolutely no need for them to have it. It doesn't benefit children (or adults - beyond satisfying an addiction and increasing alertness)

Caffeine in children is known to cause an increase in anxiety, heart palpations, sleep issues, high heart rates, acid indigestion, and higher blood pressure. Who would honestly be willing to do that to their kids?

Stand your ground, op. I'm also addicted heavily to coffee. I started drinking coffee at 17 and haven't stopped since.

I introduced tea to my DS when he was 14 but waited until he was 16 to let him drink coffee. He is nearly 18 now and another proper coffee fiend.

Fuck me..she's not asking to drink meths...it's coffee...shes already drunk it in nero, Starbucks, McDonald's, coffee one, pret...at her age I getting barred from pubs.
What do you think coffee today, crack tomorrow?

Having neurotic parents can have long lasting impacts on children too.

How much coffee do you drink OP in a typical day.

What kind of coffees does she want? Does she want to try your Nescafé Gold Blend or does she expect café coffees?

My nieces get Starbucks purely to clutch in Snapchat pics, which is a waste of money.

If being neurotic means they will live physically healthier, happier and longer lives so be it.

And, no need to worry - there will be money available to pay for any furture therapy they may need.

Seriously, though, really? Has that made you feel better about yourself?

It's not being neurotic to want your kids to have the best start in life. Away from unnecessary additives, sugar, stimulants and UPF. My kids are normal kids, we teach moderation and knowing what is going into their bodies. Absolutely, nothing wrong with it. And, I shouldn't have to justify why I want to best for my children.

I mean, you can do what you want at home, but at 13, if she really wants one, she'll just go to a coffee shop, so it seems kind of absurd to be policing something she can do perfectly happily by herself anyway...