For our GFP2B kids, BTS supplies include a few extra necessities to start the school year off right. So here is my list of must-haves, must-do's BTS supplies - GF style.
LESSONS FOR A GREAT GF SCHOOL YEAR
#1: Remember to raise your handIt's important to let teachers, administrative office and of course the school nurse know about your child's Celiac disease. Here is a sample of the note I use each year - I like to include a list of snacks the boy loves and those he can not have unless I provide a GF version:
(INSERT CHILD NAME HERE) has Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that necessitates he eliminate wheat, barley, rye and oats from his diet. WBRO may be hidden, however, in things like food additives, flavorings, personal care products, school supplies and more. Therefore, some adjustments may need to be made in the classroom and other areas of the school to reduce the risk of inadvertent contact. I have provided some GF alternatives for him if there will be a birthday party or other special snack time in the classroom. Or if you can let me know in advance and I will be more than happy to provide a cupcake or other treat for (INSERT CHILD NAME HERE).
Easy Reference Snack List for (INSERT CHILD NAME HERE)
POPCORN, which he loves J
Potato chips (no Pringles)
Taco chips/Tostitos chips made with only CORN (again, check packaging for “wheat”)
Plain chocolate/plain vanilla ice cream
M&M’s and Hershey Kisses J
Fruit Snacks
Fresh veggies (ranch dressing for dipping is great too)
Fresh fruit or fruit cocktail
JELLO
Examples of things (INSERT CHILD NAME HERE) CANNOT eat, unless a GF alternative is provided by me:
Crackers
Pringles
Cookies
Pretzels
Licorice
Any
kind of candy bar containing a cookie/wheat
It is important to note that if (INSERT CHILD NAME HERE) should come into physical contact with any of the offending grains, it will be necessary to remove all protein residues from his skin as quickly as possible. Playdough is okay for him to play with, but he will need to wash his hands immediately following so he doesn’t ingest any. If contact with wheat does occur, (INSERT CHILD NAME HERE) may also have an urgent need to use the restroom due to the possible onset of uncontrollable physical symptoms. Because of this, special restroom privileges may be needed. (INSERT CHILD NAME HERE) is very well aware of what he can and cannot have. He is pretty adept at knowing what foods contain “gluten” in them and which do not. However, since he is young, he may not always know that an item contains WBRO so it’s best to check labels – most say “contains wheat” and must be avoided. Peanuts, corn, rice, and soy are all okay for him to have.
You are always welcome to call us any time of the day if there is a question. Mom’s cell is xxx-xxx-xxxx and Dad's is xxx-xxx-xxxxx. Anything we can do to make it easy for you and (INSERT CHILD NAME HERE), please do not hesitate to call us!
It's important to let teachers, etc. know that you don't expect them to be an expert in Celiac Disease and that you are here to teach them too!
#2: Get your school supplies
Each year, the boy and I shop for his favorite snacks to stock his GFP2B snack box. We stock one for his teacher/homeroom (just in case the unexpected birthday is celebrated that day) and also one for the after-school program. When the snacks get low, they return the box to me and we fill it up again. Let your GFP2B kid pick the snacks and fill up the box - this helps them to 1: learn their GF options and 2: let's them be in control (remember that "I can do it myself" blog?) Here's our snack box.
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| We use a clear, plastic storage bin and mark it with his name |
A few favorite items to note:
- GF pretzels (I buy the big bag and put in baggies - cheaper than the snack size bags)
- Single-serving sized Nutella and Peanut Butter (great for dipping apples, pretzels, carrots)
- Fruit snacks
- Lucy's cookies - they make great snack packs which come in handy for unexpected bday parties!
- Craisins
- GF granola bars
- Sweet and salty snacks - packed with protein, nuts and M&M's...of course
- Larabars - another GF fave
#3: Practice the Golden Rule
No kid likes to feel different, so it's important to let them take control of their situation, tell their friends on their own and for you as a parent to "be cool" when letting school personnel know about your child's condition. We have private conversations with teachers when the boy is out of ear shot. They can ask questions comfortably and the boy isn't subject to an embarrassing moment of sharing the side-effects of wheat in his system. After all, would you want to stand there while your loved one, parent, sibling, etc. explains your chronic bowel symptoms? Of course not.
#4: Do your homework!
I was amazed to learn how many other students had Celiac disease in our school! It helped a lot - especially in creating awareness so teachers know what to expect when they get a GFP2B kid! I was also amazed to learn our school lunch program can provide him with a GF lunch!! They even give him buns, bread and GF pizza! Call your school cafeteria contact and ask if your lunch provider can give GF alternatives for your GFP2B kid. Plus - not packing lunch everyday is pure bliss for this working mom!
Here's to ABC's and GF 123's! What back-to-school tips do you have?
