Going back to school can be stressful for anyone, but even more so for the parents of a gluten free child. From school parties to daily lunches, cross contamination runs rampant among school aged children. With the odds stacked high in gluten’s favor, how is it possible to keep a child healthy when going back to school?
Luckily, it’s not as hard as it seems. In this case a little knowledge and preparation will go a long way toward ensuring that children will be ready for school and the challenge of staying gluten free while there.
Know the School Policies on Allergies and Gluten Intolerance
Every school district publishes manuals which can be accessed either in print or online. Parents are able to read policies on allergies and special needs. When deciding on the best course of action for any child, this is a good place to start.
Get familiar with the policies and make a list of the questions that were not answered in the manuals. Some things to cover are:
- Does the school provide special lunches for children with gluten intolerance?
- Does the school provide special gluten free treats for parties and holidays?
- What paperwork needs to be on file about a child's special needs?
- How does the school protect against cross contamination?
Have a Meeting Before the First Day of School
If possible, schedule a meeting with the child’s teacher and the school nurse prior to the first day of school. This will create a chance to go over any questions and concerns that were not covered in the school’s manual. This is also a great time for parents and children to get familiar with the people who will be working to keep children healthy when parents are not around.
Be prepared to help educate both the teacher and the nurse on gluten intolerance. This may prove unnecessary, but it is good to have an explanation handy if one or both of them has never had experience with gluten free diets before. Make sure they are familiar with the signs of gluten contamination and what to do if they see a problem.
Make plans for the school year and situations that may arise. Discuss how the children will be accounted for at parties, during special projects and on field trips. If possible, come to an agreement on the best way to avoid contamination in the classroom and lunchroom. Most parents are pleasantly surprised to find out how prepared their child’s school is to accommodate special needs. This meeting should go a long way toward putting a parent's mind at ease.
Arm Child with Gluten Free Supplies
Gluten can hide anywhere and in anything. Make sure when purchasing supplies, to check the ingredients for possible contaminants. Common school supplies to be careful of:
- Glue
- Glue Sticks
- Crayons
- Play Doh and Modeling Clay
- Paint
Send a package of cleaning wipes in a backpack. These are great for cleaning hands and desks after possible contamination. Make sure to find out if children are allowed to keep them or if they need to be given to the teacher.
Preparing for situations early will give everyone involved in the care of gluten free children a better grasp on how to keep children healthy. This peace of mind will do a lot to ensure a good year from the very first day of school on.
Marissa Carter - Marissa is a Gluten Free Foodie, Freelance Writer, Homeschool Mom, Non-Profit Owner...Trying to do it all at once and loving every ...
Join the Conversation