Some parents swear that giving their ADHD child a soda or latte before school helps with focus. But is caffeine actually a natural alternative to ADHD medication or just a myth that can backfire?

In this episode of Raising ADHD, we're breaking down the science, the risks, and the truth about caffeine and ADHD so you can stop guessing and start making informed choices.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why caffeine comes up in ADHD discussions
• What’s happening in the brain
• What the research actually says
• The risks of caffeine in kids with ADHD
• Why soda at 3 pm is different for kids than adults 
• When (if ever) caffeine makes sense

Resources + Next Steps:

• Document what you observe if you try caffeine with your child (mood, focus, sleep, appetite).
• Always talk to your child’s doctor before mixing caffeine with ADHD medications.
• Revisit Episode 4: Should I Medicate My Child for ADHD? for a deeper dive on stimulant vs. non-stimulant medications.
• Follow us on Instagram @raisingADHD_org for more parent-tested tips and resources.

🎧 Listen now to learn why caffeine isn’t the magic fix for ADHD and what actually works.