Generation Rescue's Blog

OH NO...THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!
- Posted on 12.17.08
Don't Panic Because You Can Do It.

My name is Roni Piterman and as the owner of gfMeals.com, I help parents overcome their nervousness about starting a child on the gluten and casein-free diet everyday. I also have heard every reason in the book as to why a parent doesn't want to try the diet. One of the most common objections is, "I don't want my child to feel left out during the holidays and at birthday parties."

As a mom of a GFCF kid, my best advice is to...Be Prepared, Be Prepared, Be Prepared. With a little forethought, it's really no big deal. In fact, next year this will be second nature to you.

The first thing we need to tackle is the class party. Talk to the teacher one to two weeks in advance and ask for a rundown on her party and activity plans. Many times teachers plan food projects and forget about our children's dietary restrictions. Are they making marshmallow snow men or gingerbread houses? Are they eating potato pancakes and jelly doughnuts?

As parents of GFCF kids, we constantly walk the line of requesting (read 'insisting') that our teachers help us protect our children while not taking certain fun experiences away from the other kids. But it is our responsibility as mother (and father) warriors to run offense for our kids. I ask you, why should our kids be left out of those experiences anyway?

Based on the feedback you receive from the teacher, here are some suggestions for you:
· Provide substitute ingredients your child can eat and touch, like safe marshmallows and chocolate chips.
· Bring GFCF cupcakes, cake or even doughnuts for the class.
· Offer to make potato pancakes or Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) for the class.
· And lastly, I always volunteer for all of the festivities. It's great to be in class so you can provide extra support to your child and the teacher.

So now how do you tackle holiday parties? You can apply some of the above suggestions and here are some more:
· If the party is a potluck, offer to bring a main dish so your child has something substantial to eat.
· Great tip - I actually feed my children a complete meal at home before we go the parties because then they run off and play and never feel like they need to eat.
· Be prepared with safe desserts.

Since the holidays are all about food, please don't cop out. There are tons of fantastic GFCF recipes to try. If you don't cook, and want to order food to be shipped to your home or your holiday travel destination, whether it be from gfMeals.com or from other companies, please keep in mind that this is a busy time of the year and you should put your orders in early.

Lastly, as I always say, "Remember to breathe. You are an amazing mother (or father) warrior."

Roni Piterman is co-owner of gfMeals, by Your Dinner Secret, and a mother warrior herself. gfMeals.com is a convenient and affordable solution for stocking your refrigerator with delicious GFCF, ready-to-cook meals and baked goods that are shipped nationwide to your door. Place your order at www.gfMeals.com or call 888-700-5610.

Related causes: Health

Tags: generation rescue