What To Do At B-day Parties/gatherings Etc

[kimber]

Hi ladies

We've been invited to some bbq/parties, and I am in knots over zach's diet

I don't expect everyone to have a menu just for us....but Zach will be 3 in october and he wants what all the other kids are eating (especially cake time..he is also dairy free!)

Our family/friends suggest bringing things he likes/can eat but for those with a head strong toddler...you know what just won't work

Any thoughts? ideas?

he also never gets junk at home, which I think makes it even more tempting when we are out!

Thanks, kim

[CarlaB]

I have a 13 year old gluten-free daugther. When she goes to a party, I have her find out what they are serving, and I buy/make her food that is the same, but gluten-free so that she doesn't feel left out.

I know with a three-year-old it's a little different, but if you knew what they were going to serve, you could make the junk that the other kids are having. I am also gluten-free/dairy-free and use coconut oil to substitute for butter in recipes. He's definately going to want what the other kids are having, and if he's eating healthy at home, a little gluten-free junk won't hurt!!

Whenever we go to a bbq, I always bring my own meat and a piece of foil to cook it on so that there are no contamination concerns.

[Cheri A]

That's what I do for Carleigh and birthday parties or family invitations. I find out what's being served and try to send her the safe equivalent. He needs to start learning now that his food will be different from everyone else's sometimes.

[wonkabar]

He's definately going to want what the other kids are having, and if he's eating healthy at home, a little gluten-free junk won't hurt!!

My son, Zachary, is 3 years old and gluten-free. I agree with Carla. In fact, a lot of gluten free "junk food" is much healthier for them than the real-deal! I'd just call and ask what they're serving. Everyone knows the deal with Zachary and gluten, so I always call ahead and ask my family or friends. At this point, they often call me to either let me know what they're having and/or what they can have for Zachary. He usually winds up having some variety of what the other kids are having so he isn't different.

I typically bring a dessert that ALL of the kids can have as that's usually the bone of contention with all kids. Things like cupcakes, cookies, brownies, choc. dipped pretzles, etc. always go over well. The other kids NEVER know they're gluten-free!! Zachary is a versatile eater which definately makes things easier at this age, but if there's something he can't have we just tell him he'll get boo-boos. We either offer him something he CAN have or simply leave at "boo-boos". Rarely does he protest this. We don't make it into a big deal or leave it open for discussion with him. Although we're careful about keeping him gluten-free when we're out, we also don't make an issue out of it in front of him. If it's not a big deal to us, it won't be to him. Good Luck!!

--Kristy

**PS-Zachary is a very good boy 90% of the time, but the other willful 10% of the time is why I highlight my hair...I feel your pain!!

[kimber]

Thanks everyone!

Just to clarify I don't care about his eating 'junk' food

BUT since he is dairy/soy free it's hard to find cakes etc

I'm going to need to start researching and looking for some good recipes

Thanks!!

My son, Zachary, is 3 years old and gluten-free. I agree with Carla. In fact, a lot of gluten free "junk food" is much healthier for them than the real-deal! I'd just call and ask what they're serving. Everyone knows the deal with Zachary and gluten, so I always call ahead and ask my family or friends. At this point, they often call me to either let me know what they're having and/or what they can have for Zachary. He usually winds up having some variety of what the other kids are having so he isn't different.

I typically bring a dessert that ALL of the kids can have as that's usually the bone of contention with all kids. Things like cupcakes, cookies, brownies, choc. dipped pretzles, etc. always go over well. The other kids NEVER know they're gluten-free!! Zachary is a versatile eater which definately makes things easier at this age, but if there's something he can't have we just tell him he'll get boo-boos. We either offer him something he CAN have or simply leave at "boo-boos". Rarely does he protest this. We don't make it into a big deal or leave it open for discussion with him. Although we're careful about keeping him gluten-free when we're out, we also don't make an issue out of it in front of him. If it's not a big deal to us, it won't be to him. Good Luck!!

--Kristy

**PS-Zachary is a very good boy 90% of the time, but the other willful 10% of the time is why I highlight my hair...I feel your pain!!

[flagbabyds]

I was diagnosed when i was very young also, and my mom would always just bring my own food. Make it seem to him like his is special and all the other kids cant eat it, that way it will make him feel special that he gets special food, but the same.

I would look into recipes for cakes and stuff cause homemade is even better. I used to be dairy and soy fre and we would just use oil instead of butter.

We have always baked my own food, and it just turns out better overall.