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Is there any harm in a 3 year old occasionally drinking tea?

dpdwdpdw member
in Parenting

My in-laws are from Ireland & they have been tea drinkers as long as they can remember.  According to my FIL, he has no memory of ever drinking milk or water as a child, only tea, and then at the ripe old age of 5 switching over to coffee.  Hmm

They insist on giving DS tea when they are visiting, which is about twice a month.  DS loves it.  I hate it.  I know it's only a small amount - they slightly water it down, but it's still brown.  DH says it's a special thing between DS & his grandparents, so I shouldn't make a fuss about it.

I know caffine inhibts iron absorption, which is why I've absolutely put my foot down when they tried to give it to my anemic 14 month old. Angry But, it won't really harm an otherwise healthy 3 year old, right?  I'm trying to pick my battles.  Right now it's tea vs. Irish sausage.

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Re: Is there any harm in a 3 year old occasionally drinking tea?

  • ppantsppants member
    If it's only a couple of times a month and watered down then I say it's ok.  I see people giving DC's pop/soda all the time.  Tea does have antioxidants in it at least and it is a "special" thing with his grandparents.
    Wendy Twins 1/27/06. DS and DD
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  • kevschickee2kevschickee2 member
    Halee loves ice tea she knows how to order it at Dunkin Donuts Medium ice tea with lemon lol.  I say let him have it
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  • EliseB0323EliseB0323
    I wouldn't worry about it once in awhile. For 1/2 a cup of tea, you are looking at about 10 mg. of caffeine. DS drinks iced tea sometimes at my parent's house.
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  • stacynikkistacynikki member
    I see no harm in it!
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    Liam is 5!
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  • veloelleveloelle member

    Let him have it. Less than 8 oz of watered-down tea a month isn't going to send your kid over the edge. I'd rather my child have lifetime memories of a special tradition with the grandparents. Not worth the batttle at all IMHO.

    DD loves iced tea. She drinks it about once a week, sometimes it's green tea, sometimes straight up iced tea.

    DD 7.28.06 * DS 3.29.10
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    Christmas 2011
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  • CleoKittyCleoKitty member
    I wouldn't let my ds run around all day everyday with a sippy cup of tea hanging out of his mouth, but it seems harmless IMO to have a little bit just a couple times a month.
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  • rach&jayrach&jay

    I think its fine, not a regular daily drink, a special treat.  Riley has had sips of my tea and even has had coffee.

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  • REOMREOM member
    My grandparents/parents are from Europe, and as kids we always coffee. It was mostly milk, but we loved it.  Then again, maybe don't listen to me b/c we drank wine as well.
    DD1 12.18.06 DD2 9.18.08 DD3 EDD 5.10.2012 BabyFruit Ticker
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  • PoundCakePoundCake member

    DD found my glass of Arizona sweet tea a few weeks ago and loved it.  So now if we have it, she has a small bit of it watered down in a sippie.

     

    Diagnosed with PCOS June 2004 Abby born 2/2007 and Ally 3/2009 imagehttp://Life In Sublurbia.blogspot.com
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  • JulieandBenJulieandBen member
    Can you maybe suggest they feed him chamomile or a decaf green tea? Both teas are actually good for everyone including babies.
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  • dpdwdpdw member

    imageJulieandBen:
    Can you maybe suggest they feed him chamomile or a decaf green tea? Both teas are actually good for everyone including babies.

    ROTFLMAO.  You have no idea how funny that is.  My in-laws might disown me for the mere suggestion that chamomile or decaf green tea are even considered tea! 

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  • LMS05LMS05 member
    I see no harm. I wouldn't hesitate to give my children tea. Soda on the other hand is an absolute no.?
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