Children with Celiacs

[Kristie]

I have been reading through alot of the messages today, and I have learned some wonderful things, but I see that most of the messages are about adults who have CD. I wonder how many of you out there have children with celiacs or were a child when you found out that you had it.
How did it affect your daily life as a child? Did you or your child find it hard to cope with at school? Did you feel "differnt" from the other kids? What about school parties. Or birthday parties? These are all things I'm finding we are starting to deal with when it comes to my son.
He's only 2 yrs old, and it's already having a big impact on his "social life" meaning, church outings, sunday school class. and exc...
I run an in-home chlid care, so that's pretty easy, he doesn't feel quite so singled out, but as he starts pre-school and on, I'm afraid it's only going to get harder to deal with.
Any personal experiences with this would be appreciated.

Kristie

[aklap]

Hi Kristie,

Welcome to the board!

Dealing with CD at any age is never easy. I would think it would be harder for kids - on all facets. It's not impossible...it just takes a bit more planning.

You are right - there's not much here about dealing with kids and CD. But you might look here: http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=141 This is the Braintalk board for CD and Gluten Sensitivity. There are LOTS of Moms (and a few Dads) getting answers for their kids. Poke around out there - and ask questions - tell 'em Al sent ya These people are great!! I learned from the best!!

Good luck in your knowledge quest!!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[melanie]

My 2 yr. old was diagnosed (blood test and endoscopy) at 18 mo. Yes, we have an awesome pediatrician! She is almost 3 now, and it does get easier to deal with. At first it was hard. I had to plan ahead for every possible scenario dealing with food. But now she just knows if I say "You can't have that, it will make your tummy hurt." she says "ok". Her older brother and sister are very careful about not letting anyone give her any food. They are twins, 4 yrs old, and they already know to let me read the label on everything.
There is a book called Raising Our Celiac Kids that is very helpful to read. I don't remember the author.
We are a homeschooling family so I don't have to worry about that issue, but I'm sure it can be done.
I also recomment getting the complete gf listing from the Celiac Sprue Assoc.
I'm new to this forum, but I'll try to check in often. Please ask if you have any question.
Melanie

[Guest]

The author's name is Danna Korn. She is a great writer. She also did "Wheat Free Worry Free". A must read!!!

Al

[Erica]

I think it's much easier now with the alternative flours & mixes. When I was growing up I had such a HARD time sticking to the diet. I started sneaking twinkies from classmates starting in the 5th grade. I always paid for it but eventually my symptoms subsided (during puberty which is common, I learn now). So I increased eating gluten thorough my early 20's & started having lots of health problems I didn't connect to Celiac. Boy am I paying for it now (thyroid problems, female problems, SO tired & weak, etc.)

I was just re-diagnosed by blood test with Celiac when I saw my 17mo boy old suffer from same sympoms I had when I was a toddler. His biopsy is tomorrow.

Basically my story is don't EVER go off it & I will be explaining to my son how important it is not to cheat. I suppose I'll tell him he can have as many Gluten-Free Pantry brownies as he wants (they're great!). : )