-They don't need surgery.

-They don't need to be medicated for the rest of their life.

-They aren't dying.

The 'cure' for their disease is to eat a healthier diet with more wholesome unprocessed food. A diet of fresh foods without the gluten that has been poisoning them.

When little 8 year old Mandy, my youngest granddaughter, was diagnosed it was hard at first. Birthday parties, school parties and eating at friends’ houses were all a real challenge.

Soon 2 of her sisters followed and she was no longer alone. Yes, there were tears and adjustments and frustration, but attitude is everything and after the initial shock of a diagnosis, it’s important to focus on what we can eat and not what we can't.

With some advance planning and preparation there is no reason those of us with Celiac Disease or Gluten-intolerance, or any food allergy, can't eat out at restaurants, travel, go to parties or entertain with our families.

You’re not in this alone. R.O.C.K, Raising Our Celiac Kids, is a support group for parents, families and friends of kids with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. R.O.C.K. concentrates on dealing with the unique challenges that we all have.

Feeding Underweight Children Written for parents of children with feeding issues, this site includes tips and techniques on how to optimize nutrition for your family and includes specific diet guidelines for children with different disorders.

Having a child or children with Celiac Disease requires communication. It’s important that for everyone, including your child, knows and understands your child’s gluten-free diet.

-Make sure that positive attitudes are a top priority as you and your child explore and learn about gluten-free living

-Involve your child in grocery shopping trips and let them help in the decision process. It’s a great time for one on one special time.

-Find fun gluten-free snacks and treats

-Let your child help in meal preparation. Find fun It’s a great time to talk and to teach about cross-contamination as well as food preparation.

-Make special gluten-free meals and desserts the whole family can enjoy. Don’t ‘isolate’ your child.

-Your child should understand what they can and can’t eat. They must become self-sufficient and learn to make wise food choices and the possible reactions if they ‘cheat’

-Let them go to a special camp some summer

Celiac Summer Camps

can be great self-confidence builders for kids. They make new friends and learn new skills as well as eating healthy safe food.

Studies show that letting your child go to special camps improves Self-Perception of celiac kids on restricted diets.

Gluten-Free Apps for iTouch or iPhone are available that detail safe food choices and even restaurant menus - a great resource to have at your fingertips for you and your child.

-WHO NEEDS TO KNOW?

EVERYONE who may come in contact with your child at school.

Your child’s school-

-teachers

-principal

-custodial staff

-hall monitors

-field trip chaperones

-nurse

-counselors

They all need to know and understand gluten-free diet needs especially cross-contamination and bathroom privileges.

-Celiac disease is considered a disability and schools are required by law to offer Gluten-free hot lunches. We’ve found the schools are very helpful with celiac lids and just request a day’s notice if one or all of our granddaughters will be eating hot lunch. Their ticket is flagged when they go through the line and they really enjoy their food options especially gluten-free pizza, their favorite.

-Keep a bag of treats at school for the teacher in case there’s an unexpected reward or treat or school party someone forgot to tell you about. My daughters’ school has ‘donut day’ once a month when parents go in and read with their child for an hour and snack on donuts. Preparing in advance with frozen donuts or cupcakes solves the problem.

Halloween, Christmas, Easter and birthdays are just some of the occasions your child gets candy. Teach them what candy they can and can’t have. Our Celiac Kids need to learn how to read labels and when in doubt, throw or trade it out!

Talk to your child' friends and parents so they know and understand the dietary restrictions your child has. At parties or sleepovers offer to help and contribute gf safe foods, treats or snacks.

There many new foods and things to celebrate about a gluten-free diet. Surround yourself, your child and your family with a good attitude and positive support and live a wonderful gluten-free life with a happy positive attitude. Celiac kids are special!