Wednesday, July 1, 2009

A Squeaky Wheel Situation

E has been attending a day camp of sorts.  It's three hours long and so, of course, involves a snack.  And so, of course, we sent along gluten-free snacks.  Because, of course, she can't ever just eat what everyone else is eating.  At any time. Ever. She is so great about this, it's amazing. There have been so many times that she has to sit by and not have a cupcake when everyone else is having a cupcake.  When she eats the healthy thing I packed for her, because she can't have what every other kid in the room is having. When she has to be different, everywhere she goes.  When she has to say "no, thanks, I can't eat that," even though she is only 5, and that's hard enough when you're 30.

But, we've been asked to please not send quite so "many" snacks.  Because the other kids get "jealous." 
Of course. Why should every kid learn that they can't always eat everything they want to eat? Only my kid should learn that.

<<E copy.JPG>>


6 comments:

Jaime said...

I have to say, I've been reading your blog for awhile. I went to sign on one day and it was down and I was crushed. I'm glad I checked again, and I'm glad your back! I'm sorry to hear you were having such a rough time, and I hope it's better now.
As for this story, it's one of the most ridiculous things I've heard so far. My husband and I both have celiac disease (go figure, we were diagnosed a few months apart) and my son was just tested this week (keeping fingers crossed). It's hard enough to explain (or deal with) at 30, never mind making it worse on a 5 year old. It's just one of the frustrations added to the pile I guess...

Anonymous said...

How does this work with the snack issue?
What will happen if she eats one of the "regular" snacks? I would love get my family off of gluten all together but do not feel comfortable that I could trust other's to take make sure he eats what I send.

Unknown said...

First, we have a conversation with whoever is in charge.
Second, she has a tag she wears that says what ingredients she can't eat.
Finally, she knows she can't eat gluten, and refuses food regularly.

It's easier now that she knows what does happen if she eats gluten - diarrhea, rashes, severe stomach pain, and lots of behavioral issues. She doesn't like feeling that way.

dmdm said...

My kiddos are gluten free *and* casein free(dairy protein). They are so limited in what they can have -my 7yo is autistic with sensory sensitivities that limit him further- I would probably be crazed mommy when dealing with the 'camp councilors' telling you to scale back the selection. (cupcake example was a good one) I find many adults who work with children tend to be both ignorant and intimidated when it comes to the special diets. Adults who, would knock over the elderly to get to their splenda packets or let the world know when they've eaten something that hasn't agreed with them, have no concept what-so-ever of compassion. My 4yo shoots from the hip, and has told such adults that 'cows milk and wheat bread make my tummy so sick I want to sleep on the potty.' Usually puts things into perspective.

Li loves David said...

Hey GFF! I'm catching up with your blog, so I'm a little late here, but I gotta say, this post is so not snarky. I mean, really, the other kids are jealous because E doesn't get to eat what they do? I bet they are jealous because they have to eat junk and her parents love her, so she gets to eat good food. :) Okay, so maybe I'm the snarky one...

Lafianza.doula said...

oh my word! you need to talk to them about this and explain how your daughter must feel. do they understand she can;t gluten? and that all parents can send there kids food if they like?

we go through this same thing here. my daughter and i are celiac and 3 of us can't have dairy. sometimes we get weird remarks too. sometimes people imply we're picky or strange. my kids are good about it but sometimes it is hrd for me not to be nasty to rude people. i refrain... but ugh.

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