Gluten-free Living for Children

It's hard enough to understand coeliac disease when you're an adult but imagine what it's like when you're a child! Although older children will be more able to understand the facts of the condition, younger children can find it confusing to be suddenly told they can't eat what everyone else is eating.

Education and understanding

Whatever their age, the key thing is to help children understand what having coeliac disease means - without worrying them.

Obviously, most children won't understand if you start talking about flattened villi and gastrointestinal tracts! But they will understand if you explain things simply. For example, try to tell your children that their tummy is very sensitive and special hence they can't eat all things their daddy or mummy do. The "Me and my tummy" guide, which you will receive for free after joining Coeliac UK, can be very handy. For more information please go to Coeliac UK website. 

Always remember that...

• First of all, you yourself must be fully aware that a gluten-free diet is the only way for your child to feel better 

• It is crucial that not only all your family, but also your children's teachers and peers know about their diet 

• Teach you children to be persistent in sticking to a gluten-free diet in the same way you remind them to brush their teeth regularly

• Even a small grimace on your face can put your children off !

• Stop thinking that your child's condition is a misfortune and don't treat them in an overprotective way. Don't let them feel that they are different or odd.

You can also start teaching them about cooking gluten-free food with fun cooking lessons. Experimenting with new recipes together is a great way to teach them more about their new diet; what they can eat and what they will have to say no to. Although they might not get it all straightaway, children do pick things up very quickly, especially with the help of regular gentle reminders, encouragement and praise.

There are some useful books on the market, for example 'Kids with Coeliac Disease' by Danna Korn, which has lots of useful tips. Why not see if similar publications are available in your local library? 

Learning-by-playing does appeal to little people! For lots of interactive games visit Milly's gluten-free world at Dr. Schars website. Your kids will love it!