Coffee and Beer....for Toddlers?

So I mentioned last week seeing a parent on the Lifetime TV show “the Week the Women Went” giving their 3 year old coffee. The father said she loves it and drinks it all the time. I was appalled that a parent would give their toddler a cup of coffee.

Not only is caffeine a stimulant and addictive but it can have side effects like jitters, stomach problems, heart palpitations and irritability. Young children are still growing and developing and caffeine affects the receptors in the brain. Granted, so does chocolate (however, not as much) but there are plenty of things better for your child to drink rather than coffee and/or soda. Any pediatrician will tell you not to give a child coffee. Most coffee has quite a bit more caffeine than even regular soda. (check out caffeine levels in your favorite drink):  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211/


Are we really back to “…but I don’t want to tell my child NO”? I checked out the topic online and found there are quite a few people who don’t think this is a bad thing. There are also some who think that a sip of their beer, wine or alcohol can’t hurt either. I completely disagree and think it’s ridiculous to even introduce these things into a child’s life. They’ll have plenty of time to find their own vices on their own when they become an adult, they don’t need a jump start. What purpose does this serve anyway? People ask, why shouldn’t you give your kids these things (and don’t see reason not to)? I think the question is, why should you? Give me a good reason TO give your kids adult drinks. Which side are you on?