Children who live gluten free experience “challenges” in school. So do their parents. These two videos give some specific suggestion about how to deal with a child’s feeling that he might be ostracized because he is “different” . After watching them, please read my comments. I was an elementary teacher, counselor, and administrator for 38 prior to retirement and have added personal thoughts on the subject.
The day I first heard the terms “gluten free” and “celiac disease”, they were diagnosing me. I had spent 38 years as an elementary educator and had read or heard about literally hundreds of food issues that can effect children, but I knew absolutely nothing about celiac disease or the gluten free diet. Hopefully things are better now, but it is quite possible that your child’s teacher has never dealt with this issue face-to-face.
No teacher can guarantee that cross-contamination will not occur, especially if they have never heard the term before.The well-trained managers of excellent restaurants hesitate to do this. Most teachers and administrators will do their best to honor your request. I know I would have.
Every child — with parental support — needs to take some responsibility for his or her own diet. I love the suggestion made at the beginning of the second video. I would also like to quote a statement I made in an earlier article about my granddaughter. She has a peanut allergy, which of course is a much more serious problem, but the same ideas apply: “My granddaughter will be entering kindergarten this fall. She does not have celiac disease, but she does have important food sensitivities and takes responsibility for her own safety. She takes a “safe snack” with her whenever she is with other children. She knows that she can give part of her snack to other kids but that she is not free to trade snacks. She regularly asks if a food is OK for her. (Actually, everyone in the family is very careful but we encourage her to ask questions). She has been known to point to the ingredients list on a package and ask an adult to read it to her. She regularly reminds me that I must eat gluten free; “defensive dining” is part of her lifestyle. She’ll do well in kindergarten. She is aware of her responsibility for dealing with her food sensitivity. Of course, the adults in her life have primary responsibility, but she is willing, well trained, and ready to do her part.” UPDATE: My granddaughter is entering second grade this fall (2010) and has never had an allergy-related problem. She still reminds me to read ingredients labels “every time” when I get careless.
I seldom inject my personal opinions my articles, but in this case I think my experiences as an educator, a celiac, and a grandfather are relevant here. Take them for what they are worth!
Published 08/21/09
Updated 08/03/10
