A mother faced criticism after allowing her six-year-old, nicknamed “monster”, to indulge in a coffee drink and manicure.
Our society has developed a strong affinity for coffee, with Britons alone consuming nearly 18,000 LITRES of coffee in their lifetime. One individual well-versed in this trend is Haleigh Booth, a mother whose six-year-old daughter reportedly relishes in the beverage.
The viral clip shared by Haleigh garnered attention on the platformCredit: instagram/haleigh.boothh
Numerous individuals took to the comments section to express disapproval of her parenting choices, particularly regarding her daughter’s manicure and Starbucks coffee indulgenceCredit: instagram/haleigh.boothh
Harper, the young aficionado, has developed a preference for Starbucks, favoring the Caramel Macchiato on their menu.
This sugary concoction, as per the renowned coffee chain, typically contains two shots of espresso, equating to approximately 60 to 100mg of caffeine.
While Haleigh, believed to reside in the USA, has not clarified whether the beverage is decaffeinated or regular, a recent video showcasing Harper enjoying her iced coffee garnered negative attention.
In the footage, Harper expresses her disdain for Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, asserting her allegiance to Starbucks.
Tapping her plastic cup adorned with a fresh manicure, the blue-eyed girl articulates her preference for the popular chain.
“I requested whipped cream on this.
“I ordered ‘A caramel macchiato, two pumps of white chocolate with whipped cream’.
“However, they omitted the whipped cream – which is the highlight.
“But that’s fine,” the young girl, with an interest in beauty and makeup, remarks before walking away.
“Their drinks are superior, like 100%, absolutely,” Harper retorts to her mother, who notes that she has never sampled Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.
Delighted with her sweet beverage and the two doughnuts awaiting her, the six-year-old breaks into a little dance.
Despite Haleigh finding the clip amusing and pondering whether her followers are “team @Dunkin or team @Starbucks”, the video attracted significant backlash.
Numerous viewers took issue with the young girl’s demeanor, cautioning the mother about potential disrespect in the future.
Young Harper, an enthusiast of makeup, exhibits a preference for Starbucks over Dunkin’ Donuts – a choice that has sparked controversyCredit: instagram/haleigh.boothh
Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning the appropriateness of treating the child as an adult and criticizing the introduction of adult-like activities at a young age.
Regrettably, this is not the first instance where Haleigh has been criticized for her parenting choices. Earlier, she faced backlash for allowing her six-year-old to use viral “adult” skincare products.
Several individuals cautioned Haleigh about the potential harm of using an “exfoliating” toner on a young child’s skin.
Furthermore, Harper has been featured in another video demonstrating her makeup routine, including bronzer, blush, and foundation application.
At what age is it appropriate for children to consume coffee?
According to Parents.com, in moderation, coffee consumption is not inherently harmful to children. However, certain factors should be considered before permitting them to partake in caffeinated beverages.
Despite a study revealing that 73% of children and adolescents consume caffeinated beverages daily, such as tea and energy drinks, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 12 avoid caffeine altogether.
For those aged 12 to 18, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry advises a daily caffeine intake not exceeding 100 mg.
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It is essential to note that the beverages children typically opt for often contain high levels of sugar, cream, and additional sweets like chocolate chips and caramel, contributing to increased fat and sugar intake.
Side Effects of Coffee Consumption in Children
Due to their smaller body sizes, children may react differently to caffeine compared to adults.
Steve Theunissen, a registered dietitian nutritionist and ISSA /IFPA certified personal trainer, highlighted potential side effects to be mindful of:
- Increased urination and risk of dehydration.
- Changes in mental state, potentially leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Disrupted sleep patterns, impacting brain and body growth.
- Feelings of jitteriness and nervousness.
- Development of caffeine dependency, potentially resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and headaches.
- Digestive issues like stomach upset or nausea.