Coffee fuels our parenting. We drink it hot, cold, and re-warmed in the microwave, and the kids are watching. How do our habits impact our kids’ interest in coffee and caffeine? And what about our collective obsession with Starbucks? The kids are right there with us and Starbucks has answers in the way of frappes, flavored steam milk, and unicorn sips.
This week, Stacie’s 12-year-old son joins us to share what he knows about caffeine, his coffee drink consumption, and why he and his peers are so fanatically interest in (crazy sugary) Frappuccinos.
When is it Okay to Give Kids Caffeine?
Pediatricians, nutritionists, and even the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that kids shouldn’t drink caffeine, which means skipping coffee-based frappes, sodas, and even some iced tea. But as our kids hit their tween years, the lines get blurred, especially if your tween is hanging with friends at the local Starbucks or neighborhood coffee shop.
In this episode, we’re sharing everything we know about kids, tweens, teens, and caffeine and even busting a long-time myth. After sharing all the relevant data, we spill the beans on how we’re handling caffeine and coffee with our kids hoping that it will help you figure out what works best for you and yours.
Here are links to research, recipes, and info we mention in the episode:
Parents, Perk Up to the Dangers of Caffeine for Teens at Michigan Health
Caffeine: a Growing Problem for Children at US News and World Report by our friend Jill Castle
Caffeine Content of Coffee: Dark Roast vs. Light Roast at Cook’s Illustrated
What’s Your Go-to Starbucks Order?
Image via Brit + Co on Instagram: @britandco
We couldn’t miss the opportunity to talk about our coffee habits — #obvs — so be sure to tune into this episode to hear our favorite Starbucks orders (Isaac’s too!), how frequently we get it, and how we drink our coffee at home as well.
Stacie’s obsession-worthy milk frother
Meghan’s cold brew coffee recipe at Kitchn
Meghan’s recipe for Copycat Starbucks sweet cream
A money-saving Starbucks hack (found by a teen!)
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We also hope you’ll head to our Facebook page where you can find our private Listeners’ Group where hundreds of other listeners just like you are sharing tips, recipes, tricks and other helpful info. The answer to the question to join is whiskey or painkiller.
Lastly, we’re also on Instagram! You can find us together at @didntijustfeedyou, Stacie as @staciebillis, and Meghan as @meghan_splawn.
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Other Didn’t I Just Feed You episodes mentioned in this one:
Other episodes you might want to check out too:
LAST WEEK’S EPISODE: Tween Lunch Ideas
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