Caffeinated Drinks and Eight-Year-Olds
Traditionally, it has been thought inadvisable to allow children to drink caffeinated drinks or beverages, even when they are older. These drinks, which include coffees, teas and energy drinks, contain large amounts of caffeine, a potent stimulant. Real concern arises, however, when it comes to giving caffeinated drinks to children of eight or younger, who are still much closer to infancy than adulthood.
Nutritionists and child health experts express much concern regarding the potential effects that caffeinated drinks can have on the developing bodies and minds of children. One of the main reasons why they are so strongly discouraged is because, while adults can regulate their caffeine intake, children may not recognize the physical effects of the caffeine they consume. Children may not understand why they are feeling lightheaded, anxious, or even trembling and jittery.
Caffeine may also act as a diuretic – encouraging urination more quickly than normal – and can even lead to serious complications. Overconsumption of caffeine in large quantities can trigger what is known as caffeine-intoxication and side effects can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations and increased heart rate. As a result, it is wise to avoid giving any children under the age of twelve caffeine in large amounts.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that children under the age of twelve should not consume any caffeinated beverages, frequently citing the potential effects that the big changes in hormones could have on them. Additionally, caffeine has been linked to weight gain in growing children and could create a potential addiction in which the child needs to consume the caffeine in order to stay alert or cope with minor stressors.
When it comes to eight-year-olds, the consensus is that it is never a good idea to allow them to consume caffeinated drinks, even if they are just one or two caffeinated sodas or teas a week. Research backs this up, showing that even this little amount of caffeine still can affect their health and development adversely, as well as create long-term consequences. Therefore, it is thought that the best course of action for people with an eight-year-old is to stick to providing them with decaffeinated drinks.
Caffeine Addiction
The development of an addiction to caffeine is one of the reasons why parents should be particularly wary of exposing their children to this stimulant. A physiological dependence on caffeine can develop very quickly, particularly due to its wide availability and easy accessibility. As such, it would be wise to provide children with alternative drinks as much as possible, such as juices or water, as an early precaution.
Studies have linked excessive consumption of caffeine with higher levels of nerve activity, tiredness, and difficulty sleeping in children, effects that could potentially cause psychological or physiological problems in the future. A study from the Duke University Medical Center, published in the journal Pediatrics in 2008, found that, of the 731 participants aged between 8 and 18 years, those who consumed more than a can of caffeinated soda daily experienced significantly worse sleeping and nervousness problems than those who abstained from it.
The same study found that, even among those who drank less than one caffeinated soda per day, there was a slightly higher level of risk for such problems. Ultimately, the results from this study discourage parents from offering even moderate amounts of caffeinated soda to their children, and it should be considered an unnecessary risk.
Lines of Moderation
Of course, it is possible to exercise moderation when it comes to introducing caffeinated drinks to children. Small amounts, such as a few sips of a parent’s caffeinated drink, may not represent a significant risk. However, even on these occasions, it is important to monitor how the child reacts and to always provide alternative drinks like decaffeinated teas or even warm milk.
On the other hand, some experts have suggested that under certain circumstances, such as if a child is feeling exhausted and need a burst of energy to complete an important task, it might be acceptable to provide them with a small amount of caffeine. In such instances, it should always be discussed with the child’s pediatrician first, and in all cases, the amount of caffeine should be very small, and closely monitored.
Caffeinated Snacks
Other forms of caffeine, such as chocolates, cakes and energy bars, may sneak into a child’s diet as well, so parents should also be aware of these. These products often do not clearly advertise the amount of caffeine they contain, and so it is important to be observant of the snacks being consumed by the child. Often, these snacks are coated in chocolate or other flavours, making it hard to tell how much caffeine is contained in them.
Ultimately, the potential risks of introducing caffeinated drinks to an eight-year-old should be carefully considered by parents. Though they may seem like relatively harmless treats, the science is clear – the psychological and physiological effects of caffeine are too great a risk for children of this age to take.
Cultural Differences
The debate around the consumption of caffeinated drinks by children also differs from region to region. In certain European countries, for instance, coffee is commonly available for children as young as six or seven. This does not mean that it is a safe option, however, as it may be due to a lack of knowledge or access to alternative, non-caffeinated drinks.
Therefore, it is important to look at the context of the situation and not just allow the child to consume caffeine because it is cultural. In the UK, for example, parents are strongly encouraged to keep caffeinated drinks away from young children. Additionally, providing carbonated drinks can also harm their teeth, so plain water and decaffeinated drinks should take precedence, regardless of the child’s home country.
Health Education
The best way to ensure that young children do not have access to, or start to crave, caffeinated drinks is to provide them with the relevant health education. Parents can talk to their children from a young age about the impact that caffeinated drinks can have on their bodies and explain why they should not consume them. It is of the utmost importance that young children should learn to make the right lifestyle choices.
Encouraging children to choose healthier alternatives to caffeinated drinks is one of the best ways to establish good habits for the future. Water, juice, and milk are all great options, and parents can also offer their children with more exciting options, such as smoothies made with fruits and vegetables. These types of beverages contain useful vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and other beneficial elements absent in caffeinated options.
Consumer Awareness
Finally, it is key for parents to be aware of the large amount of specific products marketed towards children. These drinks and snacks often taste sweeter than their adult counterparts and contain large amounts of added sugars, in addition to caffeine. As such, parents should try to buy food items that do not contain any added stimulants, or are clearly labelled as containing caffeine.
Being mindful of what children consume on a daily basis is essential for their development and protection. It is down to parents to make sure that their children are making the right lifestyle choices, so it is best to always provide them with clear information and alternatives.
