Coffee for the Busy Parent

As many of you head back to the “Get the kids to school” routine, and juggle that with the end of year Holiday parade of events and the work-life balance thing, we thought we’d share a few cool tips that may revolutionize your last four months of the year routine.

Remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend “any” caffeine for kids under 12, with coffee and soda topping the list as hard on young hearts, sleep cycles, bone and teeth development and anxiety.  13–18-year-olds are recommended to keep caffeine intake under 100mg a day.

In addition to coffee (110mg average per 8oz Cup), caffeine is present in tea (48 mg per 8 ounces), caffeinated soda (30 mg per 8 ounces), hot chocolate (15 mg per 8 ounces).  It’s also added to a variety of sports products and energy drinks.

Also know that weight, ethnicity, and other health conditions (including interacting with certain medicines) can all play a role in how caffeine is absorbed and processed in the body.

A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine also notes that “coffee drinks”, the fancy whipped cream, caramel drizzle, pump of syrup type, are loaded with sugar and calories, and may contribute significantly to childhood obesity.  It’s like having a double cheeseburger between lunch and dinner.

So, everything that follows is for the adults.  For those noble parents who need to maintain high energy, while maintaining sanity, all while being the role model for the next generation.  While I have tried to give you real and practical guidance here, I am a coffee “nut” and I absolutely will not promote instant, pod, or let everything sit out overnight.  I just can’t.

Tip #1 – Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans

If you have not yet discovered roasted coffee beans covered in chocolate, you’ve been missing a great awareness/mood boost without having to down an entire cup.  On average 8-10 beans equal a small cup of coffee, and the slight delay in feeling the effects, can work to your advantage.  The coffee gives caffeine and the chocolate gives theobromine, a known mood enhancer.  

Situation: End of day, dragging, must go to a 7PM PTSA meeting.  Just as you jump in the car, have 4-5 chocolate covered coffee beans, chew and savor.  By the time you arrive at the meeting and they get through the formalities, you are suddenly going to feel sharp, on you’re A-game, but by the time you get home and watch the 10PM news, you’ll be out like a light. (Results may vary)

Tip # 2 – The Cold Brew Hack

If you are one of those, “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my first cup of coffee people” having a secret stash of cold brew is a game changer.  Put one cup of coarsely ground coffee grounds in a mason jar, and add 5 cups of cold water. Stir gently. Let that sit overnight.  The next morning, pour that through a paper filter into a second jar or pitcher. 

Now you have cold brew on demand, in the fridge, anytime.  Remember this is typically highly caffeinated so think of it as a “shot”.  I am not a huge fan of drinking coffee on an empty stomach, but some can tolerate it.  Just know that any time you need a boost, cold brew is standing by.  Some also keep a stash in the office refrigerator.  

Can also be used in smoothies, added to hot chocolate, and mixed with any other drink type you enjoy.

Tip #3- The Bialetti Moka Pot

Used by millions globally, this wonderful little “stovetop expresso” maker never fails.  Now I grind just before I make it, weigh my beans and water on a scale, but in a pinch try this.

Fill the water so it is halfway on the pressure release valve.  Fill the basket with pre-ground coffee almost to the top.  Tap to level and place in water base.  Put on the stove.  Add some milk to your favorite travel tumbler and as the Moka pot gurgles, fill your tumbler, and head out the door.  

You now have an excellent café au lait, while you discuss the day with the kids and navigate traffic.  When you get home, tap out the coffee, rinse and wipe the Moka pot and you are ready for the next day.

Tip # 4- Programmable Brewers

The good ones are not cheap, and these are different from “Get everything ready the night before”.  These machines include storage, grinders, programmable water temps and pulse rates, and can be set on a timer.  

I do not use these machines so have no recommendation of which one is best, there are a lot of reviews and reddit threads about them.  Look at the Gevi Programmable Pour Over Machine as a baseline and expect to pay $500 plus for the better-quality machines.

Tip # 5 – Change Your Coffee Time

There is a good amount of research that most of us drink our coffee too early in the day. Although 60-90 minutes after waking up was the traditional recommendation, many enthusiasts now have a more focused approach based on personal energy highs.

Let us say you feel most productive between 930-1130AM or 2-5PM, timing your coffee consumption to about 30 minutes before (so first cup 9AM and second cup 130PM), allows for the coffee to interact with your natural peak performance time, enhancing its effects.

The modern thinking is that using coffee as a crutch to get through the low energy cycles actually works against you in the long run.

Many say, make your waking drink water, have something to eat, and then ease into 9AM with your first cup of coffee.  If you are already at work…see Tip #6.

Tip # 6 – Change the Location

Now stay with me here.  Coffee at home is cheaper and thus for many the preferred option.  What if you were to move that whole operation to work?  (No change in price, just location) Now I understand, jobs are different and have different schedules and physical situations, but hot water, good coffee and a French Press are all you need to have amazing coffee at work.  Set up takes 30 seconds, completed in 4 minutes and clean-up is easy enough.

Employers recognize coffee’s role as a productivity enhancer, and are quite forgiving in allowing you that simple comfort. You are not rushed, and many coffee enthusiasts report that being mindful to make really good coffee at work, sets the stage for a more focused day.

I know that these concepts don’t apply to everyone, but if they are able to help anyone out there who is facing “time crunch” balanced against “quality of life” I hope these can help.

Aloha!