This year, E started preschool. And it was the first time she'd ever really been out of our direct control. If I was a kangaroo, my pouch would be so huge because I never let my kids out of it. Anyway.
It's scary sending a gluten intolerant kid out into the world. Once I took her to the natural foods store and she picked up and ate one single piece (flake? oat?) of oatmeal. She reacted for two days. What can I do?
1. I chose a preschool that already has a gluten intolerant child. Experience matters.
2. I talked to the teacher.
3. I sent lots of yummy snacks to school for E so that she always has something safe to eat.
4. I made her a badge. I had intended for her to be able to wear it on her shirt, but that ended up being too cumbersome, and I think, by now, they get the point. So it's attached to her back pack. The badge reads on one side:
Gluten Free Kid - Please don't feed me gluten
And on the other side:
I can't eat barley, bran, bulger, farina, malt, oats, spelt, or wheat.
If you aren't sure, call my:
Mom: ###
Dad: ###
Okay, the actual list is much longer, but these are the things that are most likely to show up. So far, we haven't had a problem, other than skin issues because she's been handling the play-dough. If anyone has a solution for the play-dough issue, I'd love to hear it.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Alert! Alert! Don't Feed My Child!
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2 comments:
Some days I wish I had a badge like that - Please don't offer me food! I get tired of saying no! :)
I don't have kids, but I know there's a recipe for gluten free playdo out there. Try the one at www.gluten.net/recipes, look under Especially For Kids. I haven't made the playdo, but the other recipes I've tried from that site have been good.
Send gloves or try these:
White Dough
Mix:
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 1/4 cup water
Bring to a boil over medium heat in a non-stick pan stirring constantly. Thicken to the consistency of mashed potatoes. Store n fridge until ready to use.
Gluten-Free Playdough
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tsp. cream of tarter
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp. cooking oil
• food coloring
Combine all ingredients, except food colouring in a medium saucepan. Over low heat cook for three minutes stirring constantly or until mixture forms a ball. Allow the mixture to cool and add in desired food colouring.
My son can't have food colorings or certain other additives - I get sooo tired of dealing with his reactions (sometimes for days) because someone wanted "to be nice" and gave him a lollipop or stick of gum. Then they send home bad behavior reports because he doesn't pay attention in math when they are using M*M's as counters...
You might also want to know that GeorgiaPacific toilet paper is no longer gluten-free (they supply a lot of schools).
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