Stock the refrigerator with healthy, caffeine-free beverages.

Should you be uneasy over how much caffeine your child consumes? It depends. Used judiciously, caffeine improves concentration because it acts as a mild stimulant to the central nervous system. However, even moderate consumption can lead to undesirable side effects such as nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heart rate. Caffeine also leads to increased urination because it is a diuretic. This can cause problems with bedwetting in younger children, and it can also lead to problems with dehydration in children who are active and using caffeine-containing beverages to rehydrate.

Foods and beverages with high amounts of caffeine, such as coffee, cola, tea, chocolate, and over-the-counter medications, can also make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep. Caffeine-associated headaches and fatigue secondary to sleeplessness may lead to poor school performance.

Given all this, keep caffeine in mind when shopping and keep it out of the refrigerator. Opt instead to stock up on healthy caffeine-free beverages like skim and low-fat milk, fruit juice, and especially water. Also, encourage older children to choose caffeine-free alternatives like decaf espresso drinks and herbal teas when visiting cafes with friends.