BACK TO LIVING FREELY

Back to school is usually a happy and exciting time (especially for parents!). However with a newly gluten-free child, it can be overwhelming. As a parent, you may be wondering how to handle the gluten-free lunchbox and multitude of school celebrations. Since hiding in the classroom under a desk is not an option (been there, done that), let's focus on how you can be your child's advocate and get involved. We'll learn through trial (and some error) what works in introducing life gluten-free into the school setting. Feel confident that you can accomplish this and still have a full head of hair intact by the end of the school year!

Here are some easy tips on to ensure your gluten-free child will eat safely at school and feel like any other student (homework complaints included):

Tip 1: Reach out to the cafeteria supervisor. Review the lunch menu offerings and determine if there is anything your child can safely eat. Go over the recipe ingredients, discuss safe food handling and cross contamination. Work with the cafeteria supervisor to create a “safe list” for your child. Another option to look into is the use of a microwave oven. Some schools provide a designated microwave for children with food intolerances/allergies. When in doubt, packing lunch is always a safe option.

Tip 2: Contact your school's nurse. Speak with the nurse about your child's need to be gluten-free. Find out what protocol they have in managing food allergies or intolerances as well as how the nurse is prepared to handle an accidental glutening. Check to see if there are other gluten-free children in your child's school and if a buddy system is possible.

Tip 3: Once your child's teacher is assigned, get in touch and let the teacher know of your child's food allergy. Ask for birthday and celebration schedules as well as any planned activities that involved food as a craft. Work with the teacher on where you can safely store snacks or treats within their classroom, so your child will always have something to eat during a celebration. Suggest non-food related rewards (for example a“wear your pajamas to school" day instead of a pizza party when the class completes a goal). Keep in close contact with your child's teacher via e-mail, phone and in person. Keep in mind that while the teacher will be educating your child, you may need to educate your child's teacher on the intricacies of a gluten-free diet.

Tip 4: Empower your child! Work with your child so that they understand they can't swap snacks or trade food at the lunch table. The message“sharing is caring”usually applies, but not in the area of food when a child is gluten-free. Set up a pretend lunch at your kitchen table and role play what happens if someone tries to share their glutenous pizza, cookies, or pretzels. Have a“script" your child can become familiar with or even just a simple“no thank you”will go a long way.

Tip 5: Join your local chapter of R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) or food allergy support group. Getting to know other parents of children with autoimmune disorders and food allergies/intolerances will help you feel less alone and overwhelmed. Link to http://www.celiac.com/articles/563/1/ROCK-Raising-Our-Celiac-Kids---National-Celiac-Disease-Support-Group/Page1.html

Tip 6: Monitor your child's blood work. This can aid you in identifying if your child is mistakenly ingesting gluten at home or school. Speak with your child's physician on how often you should have a Celiac Blood Panel done.

Tip 7: Check out my fellow Live Gluten Freely™ blogger, Kimberly Bouldin's post on gluten-free lunchbox ideas for additional tips. (link to Kim's LGF post)

Knowing what you can accomplish for your child in the school setting is half the battle! Embrace "Back to School" and this new adventure. Keep in mind, there are no rules against following the bus to school or showing up in the lunchroom under disguise. Happy Gluten-Free School Year!

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Maureen at celiac@holdthegluten.net.

We thought you'd enjoy what these bloggers have to say, so we wanted to share! To make our lawyers happy, however, we offer a friendly reminder. The opinions expressed by the bloggers on this site are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of General Mills or any employee thereof. General Mills is not responsible for the accuracy of information supplied by bloggers included on LiveGlutenFreely.com Also, please remember that none of this constitutes medical advice, so be sure to check with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.