Comments on: Celebrating Birthdays: What To Do About the Gluten-free Kid

By: Lara

Lara — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 05:58:42 +0000

I find that when I offer to bring the food, the parent often immediately says they'll do it themselves and ask where to get the food. It is a good way to break the ice and not sound demanding! I don't mind bringing things at all, and some parents appreciate that I will do it. Either way–as long as she's safe, just like you say!

By: Tina Cornell

Tina Cornell — Mon, 25 May 2015 10:19:28 +0000

This was a great post- my son is a 3rd grader and was diagnosed when he was 15 months old, so we've been doing it for a long time…. I always have GF cupcakes in the freezer and then I can send one with when he's invited to a party… all of his school friends/teammates totally get it now and it is terrific, but it is a lot of me offering to provide food- as long as he's safe I guess that's the most important!

By: Lara

Lara — Fri, 22 May 2015 01:05:36 +0000

Hi Corrine,

Generally I bake two birthday cakes–one from a GF mix, and one regular. Or two batches of cupcakes, etc. I try to make them as exactly the same as possible so that it doesn't feel different for my daughter. Any other party treats are all things that would be gluten-free anyway so I'm not spending money on specialty items. Things like pudding, veggie trays, and GF candies work.

For school, I bring in GF cupcakes, period. She's young enough that most kids don't question that, so they happily eat them. If they don't, oh well. 🙂

I hope that helps!

By: Corianne

Corianne — Fri, 22 May 2015 00:51:00 +0000

I appreciate this article, as I'm just learning to handle this. A related question I'd love to know how you address: what do you do when your gluten free kid is the birthday kid? I can't afford to provide gluten free baked goods for all the numerous family members and friends who want to celebrate with us, but my kid doesn't want something he can't eat served at his own birthday party. How have you handled parties for a gluten free kid where nearly all the guests are not gluten free, and also think it's weird or scary?

By: Lara

Lara — Tue, 12 May 2015 23:59:45 +0000

Yes. I'm very happy to bring the food–I'd be feeding her anyway, so it's no big deal. But I do appreciate those who are willing to go out of their way to make things work so she doesn't feel different.

By: Rachel Teodoro

Rachel Teodoro — Mon, 04 May 2015 04:28:48 +0000

What a great idea! Pinning this for sure!

By: Heidi Schilling Fowler

Heidi Schilling Fowler — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 03:09:49 +0000

Thanks, Lara. We've come across this situation many, many times. I do what you do. I call ahead and ask what is being served. Then I send my daughter to the party with something gluten free that somewhat matches what everyone else is having. I have had some parents provide special things for my daughter, but it's not really necessary. (Especially when you have a super picky kid like mine. I hate to have someone spend a fortune on a gluten free treat that my daughter will only taste and then throw away later.) Great post. Thank you!

By: Valerie @Occasionally Crafty

Valerie @Occasionally Crafty — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 22:27:00 +0000

This is such a great post! I think you have the perfect attitude and encourage others to do the same. Pinning this to help others 🙂

By: Ali Anderson Williams

Ali Anderson Williams — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 21:27:53 +0000

This is wonderful article Lara. I will be sharing it with the mom's of gluten free children that I know. Thank you!