Do you struggle with getting your children to wind down? Well, caffeine could be the culprit that's keeping your child wired. Although the United States hasn't issued recommendations on how much caffeine kids should consume, health officials in Canada recommend the children of preschool age do not exceed 45 milligrams of caffeine -- the amount that's found in a 12-ounce soda.{relatedarticles} Believe it or not, caffeine isn't just found in sodas - it's also found in other drinks and certain foods. If you need an incentive as to why you should keep tabs on your kids' caffeine count, check out how this stimulant affects children. Excessive amounts of caffeine boost blood pressure levels, contribute to sleep issues, cause problems with concentration, lead to headaches and kick start the heart rate. That's just a few of the side effects. Need more motivation to cut out the colas? Caffeine is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration as it eliminates water from the body.
Coming off caffeine can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. And a whopper of a reason. Kids who drink one or more sodas a day have more than a 60 percent chance of becoming obese. That's not exactly the life you want to set your child up for. {relatedarticles}Caffeine can be found in colas, energy drinks, iced tea and coffee drinks. But it doesn't stop there, caffeine is also found in chocolate milk, chocolate and cold medications. For people who want to get their kids off caffeine, it can be a reality. Your child can indulge in the occasional soda -- just make it a Sprite, orange soda or other carbonated beverage that's caffeine-free. The best way to ensure a beverage is free of caffeine is to read the label. Of course, the best bet is to encourage your child to drink water, milk or even 100 percent fruit juice as a healthier alternative.