Caffeine is something that many people use on a daily basis to keep themselves alert and awake. Many children have begun to consume caffeine by way of sodas and caffeine-packed sports drinks. While you might not think that your child is affected by the amount of caffeine they are consuming, there are some negative effects that you might want to think about before you continuously provide caffeine to youngsters. Let’s take a look at why moms should limit their kids’ caffeine intake.
It Can Cause Anxiety and Mood Swings
Caffeine can cause your body to have a large upswing in energy. When that caffeine wears off, the result is a large drop-off of energy. When a young child’s body experiences such drastic highs and lows, it can lead to them feeling very panicky or anxious. This isn’t an emotion that a child should have to experience at such a young age. It can set them up for anxious feelings for the rest of their life.
It’s Addictive
Caffeine is completely legal, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a substance you can become addicted to. You don’t want a child to begin life with such an addiction. Some industries have a very serious stimulant abuse problem that originates from caffeine. Using it in the morning to wake up and get going is enough to trigger that desire each and every morning. It’s not a healthy or good feeling to be so dependent on anything each day.
Children Are More Sensitive to Caffeine
It might take two to three cups of coffee each morning for an adult to finally feel as though they are awake and ready to go. Children are much more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. They can start to feel jittery or anxious with just a few sips of coffee or soda that has caffeine in it. It’s ok to have a little cup of soda with caffeine in it at a party once in a while if that’s all that is available. However, this shouldn’t become a daily beverage choice for a child.
If your child shows negative effects from consuming caffeine, it is probably a good idea to completely remove caffeine from their diet. You’ll want to pay close attention to what they are drinking. There are plenty of caffeine-free options that they can enjoy just as much.
For more information about changes you can make to your family’s diet, take a look at this other article on how to transition to a vegan diet!