Anonymous wrote:DC started drinking coffee in the morning this year, in 10th grade. She is now like me. Goes straight for a cup as soon as she wakes up. I’ve seen her increase her consumption slightly throughout the year, though. I’m going to suggest she drink tea in the afternoon when she feels like having more coffee.

Why? I thought coffee was so “healthy”?

DC started drinking coffee in the morning this year, in 10th grade. She is now like me. Goes straight for a cup as soon as she wakes up. I’ve seen her increase her consumption slightly throughout the year, though. I’m going to suggest she drink tea in the afternoon when she feels like having more coffee.

My kid has football before school at 5am. He drinks a Celsius. Not the best I know but it’s butt crack of dawn early. He doesn’t like coffee.

Anonymous wrote:I’m starting mine on coffee (cappuccino made at home) to help with the early middle school start times. The milk makes it seem better somehow?

That’s just sad.

Anonymous wrote:OP here... thanks for all the replies!

Any ideas on how to naturally boost energy from about lunchtime til 3pm? This time does not work well for my DC, esp if the class/teacher is very boring. I hate the thought of him nodding off although I'm pretty sure other kids are sleeping too.

After he gets through these next couple months, I think it's time for the some etiquette training before heading off to college. lol

I agree with PP about going to bed earlier.

Is DS open to trying to avoid carbs at lunch and opting for protein? Some people have a carb crash after lunch. It might be worth testing for a week to see if makes a difference for afternoon?

Can DS get any exercise at lunchtime? Brisk walk? Ideally moving around would be a healthy way to stay more alert, but I just don't know that it's practical.

And of course there is the cup of coffee/tea/can of soda option...

OP here. School started and this is what DC has been doing. In the morning, he'll steep a green tea bag in his mug and then put in a couple spoonfuls of trader joes matcha tea latte powder. This gives it a bit of sweetness, not too much. He then packs his mug and takes it out during his last period. I don't know if it's a placebo effect or what but he says he has been staying awake (for the past 7 days of school, ha!) He's using the Yeti leakproof tumbler, and it's working pretty well.

Anonymous wrote:One of ours won’t drink coffee, as she thinks it tastes gross.

The other one has 1/2 cup of coffee + 1/2 cup of milk every morning (if it’s not hot out) since she was 3. I have no idea how it started since it was 12 years ago, but she was never constipated as a child! She doesn't like Starbucks though - too bitter since we drink light roast coffee at home.

You let your 3 your old drink coffee every am? JFC.

One of ours won’t drink coffee, as she thinks it tastes gross.

The other one has 1/2 cup of coffee + 1/2 cup of milk every morning (if it’s not hot out) since she was 3. I have no idea how it started since it was 12 years ago, but she was never constipated as a child! She doesn't like Starbucks though - too bitter since we drink light roast coffee at home.

I’m starting mine on coffee (cappuccino made at home) to help with the early middle school start times. The milk makes it seem better somehow?

Yes. My daughter works at a coffee shop. She gets a drink after every shift

Our teen rarely drinks coffee or tea with lots of milk in it. We never made a big deal of it but did educate her on the cost and impact of sugary drinks as it relates to her nutrititional needs and dental health. We also don't give DD enough money to buy tons of Starbucks or other items per week. Getting adequate sleep is extremely helpful, despite DD's protests.

Mine drinks coffee (her preference but she can't be bothered to clean the French press if it has already been used in the morning) or tea (the back-up if said French press needs cleaning). Usually 1-2 cups. She does not drink sodas -- she can go through a lot of sparkling water, though! -- or energy drinks. If she is at Starbucks or similar she will get cold brew. She started drinking coffee during the pandemic when we would have it together before we both went to our Zoom meetings. That felt kind of early -- she was in 8th grade -- but we both needed some treats back then.