I had to drop DD and her friend (9th graders) at school at 7AM this morning. They asked me to stop by McDonalds to get some coffee on the way. I was happy to do so.

My 16 yr old drinks a large cup of coffee every morning - just like we do.

I used to be a nanny in London and the kids had milky tea with dessert every night before bed.

I was coffee at probably around 14 (although not every day, I don't think). Definitely by 16 -- I remember drinking instant black coffee in the break room at work (and it was awful).

Anonymous wrote:My kid -16-likes coffee. He is over 6 feet so I’m not worried about growth I am concerned about habits and brain development. Can someone share real studies?

I haven’t read a study, but I know teens drink coffee all over the world and have for some generations

Almost 13 year old with ADHD tried a cup of coffee with cream on a few occasions in the AM. I noticed 2 things:

a) if he drinks it past 9:30 or so, he doesn't fall asleep easily
b) *a lot* less arguing in the morning if he has a cup of coffee

Not worried about growth- that can happen with stimulant medication which is much stronger than coffee (DS doesn't take medication).

FWIW, caffeine in moderation and consumed in the morning has a positive effect on my life- so DS is probably sensitive to caffeine as well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So I have long thought that there is a link between the increase in teens drinking coffee/caffeinated drinks with the rise in anxiety levels among teens. I started reading about it and it’s only been studied a tiny bit. I wrote a survey that I wanted to send to higher schoolers to fill out. I just think everyone’s attention is on social media but that this is a social/cultural shift that no one is thinking about. Coffee was a grown up drink that has trickled down to high schoolers. What do you think?

Perhaps it was a 'grown up' drink where you grew up but not where I grew up in rural Indiana. Alcoholic beverages were the only 'grown up drinks'. Coffee and tea were always available. BTW - black tea has more caffeine than what you probably think.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

This is true of my family in Spain as well. Coffee is a much earlier introduction

Scandinavian parents also start their kids young. I was drinking milky coffee regularly by 10, black coffee by 16

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So I have long thought that there is a link between the increase in teens drinking coffee/caffeinated drinks with the rise in anxiety levels among teens. I started reading about it and it’s only been studied a tiny bit. I wrote a survey that I wanted to send to higher schoolers to fill out. I just think everyone’s attention is on social media but that this is a social/cultural shift that no one is thinking about. Coffee was a grown up drink that has trickled down to high schoolers. What do you think?

Perhaps it was a 'grown up' drink where you grew up but not where I grew up in rural Indiana. Alcoholic beverages were the only 'grown up drinks'. Coffee and tea were always available. BTW - black tea has more caffeine than what you probably think.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

This is true of my family in Spain as well. Coffee is a much earlier introduction

My main concern would be using it to stay awake or using it to wake up. Tens need a good 8 hours a night of sleep still - there brains are still developing and I don't want them using it to to stay awake - as that is a sign of sleep deprivation.

We really prioritize sleep given the impact of lack of sleep on mental health and physical health.

Mine wasn't interested until 16-17 and at that point she can make her own choice about it during the day - just not as a way to stay awake or wake up early.

Anonymous wrote:So I have long thought that there is a link between the increase in teens drinking coffee/caffeinated drinks with the rise in anxiety levels among teens. I started reading about it and it’s only been studied a tiny bit. I wrote a survey that I wanted to send to higher schoolers to fill out. I just think everyone’s attention is on social media but that this is a social/cultural shift that no one is thinking about. Coffee was a grown up drink that has trickled down to high schoolers. What do you think?

Perhaps it was a 'grown up' drink where you grew up but not where I grew up in rural Indiana. Alcoholic beverages were the only 'grown up drinks'. Coffee and tea were always available. BTW - black tea has more caffeine than what you probably think.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

So I have long thought that there is a link between the increase in teens drinking coffee/caffeinated drinks with the rise in anxiety levels among teens. I started reading about it and it’s only been studied a tiny bit. I wrote a survey that I wanted to send to higher schoolers to fill out. I just think everyone’s attention is on social media but that this is a social/cultural shift that no one is thinking about. Coffee was a grown up drink that has trickled down to high schoolers. What do you think?

I drank coffee with milk from as early as I can remember in childhood. But I'm a latin american immigrant

DS 16 drinks a cup, black, every morning. He's been having it since 8th grade and has since shot up to 6 feet so doesn't seem to have hurt his growth!

My kid -16-likes coffee. He is over 6 feet so I’m not worried about growth I am concerned about habits and brain development. Can someone share real studies?

Anonymous wrote:A latte is an espresso drink. I think some of the PPs are making what’s called an iced coffee.

Same difference, or does one contain significantly more caffeine than the other?