Child with celiac disease, how to act? Practical advice for parents
In our article, you will find specific advice for parents - what to do after the diagnosis of a child with celiac disease. Keep reading for essential information that will help you adjust your child's diet, ensure healthy eating and, most importantly, help him or her feel happy and secure, despite the disease.
Diagnosis of celiac diseasei in a child is a challenge that brings many changes in the life of the whole family. Organizing daily diet at home and at school requires special attention. Are you a parent of a toddler on a gluten-free diet? A child with celiac disease requires the introduction of several rules. We present four practical tips, which can be extremely useful at the time of diagnosis - a child with celiac disease.
A child with celiac disease - tips on what to do
At the time of diagnosis - celiac disease, you should immediately start following the following tips:
1. Do not delay the introduction of a gluten-free diet
2. Gluten-free diet for the whole family
Consider a diet for the whole family. Why? Introducing a gluten-free diet throughout the home, will allow minimize the risk of gluten contamination. A gluten-free diet for a child should be seen as a natural rule for the whole house.
3. Notify others that your child cannot eat gluten - explain what it entails
It is worth explaining to the family that a gluten-free diet is not a "whim" of the parents, but the elimination of gluten is a way to not harm the child. It is worth noting that each, even a small portion of a product containing gluten in it can harm a child.
Likewise for caregivers or teachers. It's a good idea to tell the daycare or school right away that your child has celiac disease and can't eat specific products containing gluten.
4. Don't treat your child so that he feels different and isolated from his peers
At school, the child will be exposed to many events - birthdays, cake fairs or class trips. The worst solution would be to ban the child from attending such events! Prohibition is a sense of isolation and a feeling that the child is "some other". This is an easy way to reduce self-esteem and self-confidence.
Child with celiac disease must not feel excluded from community. Just how to do it? Class Christmas Eve - prepare gluten-free snacks together with your child to carry to school and treat others as well.
Birthday party in the classroom? You may want to inform the teacher in advance and purchase gluten-free candies for such situations. A simple solution!
Trusting your child is key. The child should be thoroughly familiar with the rules of a gluten-free diet and know that he or she can call for help if necessary.
Managing celiac disease in a child can seem like a complex challenge, but with the right knowledge and support, it's as manageable a task as possible.
Remember that you are your child's most important ally in his or her journey to health and happiness. Adopting a gluten-free diet, educating yourself about celiac disease and building awareness in the community are key steps that can significantly improve your quality of life.
Also, don't forget to consult your doctor regularly and seek support in communities for people with celiac disease.
