Celiac Disease in Children - Diagnosis Doesn't Need to Be Devastating!

Celiac disease in children can be veryIn the Kitchen
overwhelming. There are several first steps thatCooking and shopping creates independence.
you can take when your child is first diagnosedInvesting in a toaster oven that will be used for
with celiac disease that can make things so muchgluten free products only is a great idea since you
easier!will lessen the chance of cross contamination. Be
Join a support group, as it can be an absolutesure to wipe down the counter tops when
lifeline. By interacting with other parents of childrenswitching back and forth between foods.
with celiac disease you won't feel so alone.Encourage your child to help you with grocery
Members can offer you coping strategies as wellshopping if they are old enough, ask him/her to
as tips on resources. There are also some greathelp you in making out the shopping list. Then
groups that are for families. Parents are able towhen you are at the grocery store you can ask
exchange ideas and concerns (since parents findhim or her to figure out whether certain foods
that celiac disease in children is easier to cope withcontain gluten or not. Involving your celiac child in
when they have the support of others dealingthe kitchen and at the grocery store is a great
with the same issues). In the meantime theway to teach about proper food preparation, as
children get to play and enjoy goodies with otherswell as teaching him/her how to take control of
like them.their diet. They will feel empowered since they
Consult with a dietitian (there are dietitians whocan take care of themselves! Most of your childs
specialize in celiac disease in children) who can helpfavorite foods can be converted into a gluten
teach you and your child how to follow a glutenfree recipe (pizza, cookies, brownies, mac and
free diet. It is also important to remember thatcheese). Early involvement like this will teach your
children, by nature, adjust more easily than anceliac kid that he or she can take control of his or
adult receiving the same diagnosis!her life!
Celiac Disease in Children of School AgeBe sure to educate all the adults in child's life,
School does not have to be scary!caregivers, grandparents, parents of friends etc.
Visit your child's school, meet with the dietitian andThey all need to understand, not just celiac
school nurse. Provide a letter from your child'sdisease in children, but the restrictions that come
physician explaining the diagnosis and restrictionsalong with it.
of celiac disease. Give them a list of acceptableYou Can Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
foods. Make sure that the principal, teachers, andLife with celiac disease doesn't have to be
front office all have copies of the letter and list.restricted.
Also provide copies for the substitute teacher fileJust because your child is diagnosed does not
(if you are able to, send a letter home with yourmean he or she can't have fun too! There are
child's classmates). You can also send a stash ofcamps that cater to celiac children all over the
gluten free desserts to the classroom (you nevercountry. Some are weekend camps that include
know when a celebration might pop up). Your childthe whole family, others are just for celiac kids.
will really appreciate being able to celebrateThe wonderful thing about these camps is that
birthdays and eat cookies or cupcakes.there are no restrictions on food! Make sure you
If your child is comfortable with it, you may wantclick the link below to get a free list of gluten free
to go give a talk to the classroom about celiacsummer camps and recipes.
disease in children.