As parents, understanding our child's disease is the first step. Communicating with your child is the second step. They need to understand the implications of their diet. You need to explain to them the importance of the foods that they are allowed to have as well as the foods that they need to stay away from. This will develop a one-on-one relationship and will also help to enable them to come to you about anything.
This might be hard to do depending on their age. If this is the case, you need to think of ways to break it down for them. One way that people have done this is by using pictures, if they are very young. This means show them the foods that they cannot have. Whatever it takes they need know for themselves if it has gluten in it. The amount of information or what sort of discussion you have depends on the child's maturity. They may have many questions, depending on their age. It's our job to have the answers.
Below I have listed some ideas for those who have to cook for children with gluten intolerance as well as some tips for those who have to deal with this when they might not have all the facts, a babysitter for instance. Making them foods that taste good is the best way to start. There are a great number of tasty alternatives you can make that are gluten-free and taste great, this will help them to feel normal. Another thing to remember is that when children are around their family and friends no matter where it be, they want to eat the same thing. This is why if you are making something for a special dinner with guests, you need to include them in it. Find a way to make it gluten free so that they can eat the same thing.
So, what foods can you give your child to achieve a transition to this sort of eating? There are foods that are known to make kids happy and be their food of choice that you can easily make.
Most kids enjoy cereal for breakfast. Cream of Wheat is out, so are Cheerios and Frosted Flakes. Corn and rice based cereals are ok, but be sure and check the label for malt (made from barley). There are numerous breakfast cereals that are made gluten-free, Doves Farms and Nature's Path make some very good ones. You can always opt for eggs and gluten-free toast. Or get really healthy and try yogurt and fruits. Check the label on any flavored yogurt though.
Marshmallows, hard candies, and gum drops are ways to satisfy their sweet tooth. For birthday parties check with a local bakery as many now make gluten free cakes if you request them in advance.
Pasta's are gone, so spaghetti, shells, and macaroni are all no-no's. There are several companies that make gluten-free pastas for that child that just has to have spaghetti or macaroni and cheese. Or think rice noodles.
Meats and fish are fine, as long as you don't coat them with a bread product. Many of the popular buffalo wings have coating that contain gluten.
And the list goes on, you can always find an acceptable alternative to most "traditional" meals. You just have to arm yourself with knowledge.
As you can see, there are numerous ways to go about helping children deal with their disease, especially when it concerns their diet. This will help them with the transition. It can be very difficult depending on the child's age as they struggle with being different from other kids their age. There are many ways of preparing and assisting their unique lifestyle, this will help your child feel more at ease. If you help your child truly understand their condition this will go a long way toward making their live easier.
See the new guide that takes the mystery away Get more information about how CD and gluten sensitivity can influence your child by visiting here http://www.wix.com/ksmedic/glutenfree.
More generic information about celiac disease can be found here http://www.squidoo.com/tips-on-celiac-disease.
By Craig Sowards
This might be hard to do depending on their age. If this is the case, you need to think of ways to break it down for them. One way that people have done this is by using pictures, if they are very young. This means show them the foods that they cannot have. Whatever it takes they need know for themselves if it has gluten in it. The amount of information or what sort of discussion you have depends on the child's maturity. They may have many questions, depending on their age. It's our job to have the answers.
Below I have listed some ideas for those who have to cook for children with gluten intolerance as well as some tips for those who have to deal with this when they might not have all the facts, a babysitter for instance. Making them foods that taste good is the best way to start. There are a great number of tasty alternatives you can make that are gluten-free and taste great, this will help them to feel normal. Another thing to remember is that when children are around their family and friends no matter where it be, they want to eat the same thing. This is why if you are making something for a special dinner with guests, you need to include them in it. Find a way to make it gluten free so that they can eat the same thing.
So, what foods can you give your child to achieve a transition to this sort of eating? There are foods that are known to make kids happy and be their food of choice that you can easily make.
Most kids enjoy cereal for breakfast. Cream of Wheat is out, so are Cheerios and Frosted Flakes. Corn and rice based cereals are ok, but be sure and check the label for malt (made from barley). There are numerous breakfast cereals that are made gluten-free, Doves Farms and Nature's Path make some very good ones. You can always opt for eggs and gluten-free toast. Or get really healthy and try yogurt and fruits. Check the label on any flavored yogurt though.
Marshmallows, hard candies, and gum drops are ways to satisfy their sweet tooth. For birthday parties check with a local bakery as many now make gluten free cakes if you request them in advance.
Pasta's are gone, so spaghetti, shells, and macaroni are all no-no's. There are several companies that make gluten-free pastas for that child that just has to have spaghetti or macaroni and cheese. Or think rice noodles.
Meats and fish are fine, as long as you don't coat them with a bread product. Many of the popular buffalo wings have coating that contain gluten.
And the list goes on, you can always find an acceptable alternative to most "traditional" meals. You just have to arm yourself with knowledge.
As you can see, there are numerous ways to go about helping children deal with their disease, especially when it concerns their diet. This will help them with the transition. It can be very difficult depending on the child's age as they struggle with being different from other kids their age. There are many ways of preparing and assisting their unique lifestyle, this will help your child feel more at ease. If you help your child truly understand their condition this will go a long way toward making their live easier.
See the new guide that takes the mystery away Get more information about how CD and gluten sensitivity can influence your child by visiting here http://www.wix.com/ksmedic/glutenfree.
More generic information about celiac disease can be found here http://www.squidoo.com/tips-on-celiac-disease.
By Craig Sowards
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