Back to school tips for gluten-free and food allergy kids

Whether your child is gluten-free, nut-allergic or has other food allergies or intolerance, it’s not too early to begin preparing for the start of school or daycare. My own “baby” is starting kindergarten this fall and there are lots of things on my allergy to-do list! Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments.

Here’s what you can do now:

1. If your child has an Epi-Pen, check the expiration dates. Get prescriptions for new ones if yours have expired.
2. Get all the medical information you need from your allergist or pediatrician. Don’t wait until the last minute rush when your doctor will be too busy.
3. Set up a meeting with the school and/or teacher to discuss your child’s allergies. Here are some items you will want to discuss:
   • What training does the staff have for working with a child with food allergies?
   • What policies are in the place at the school regarding food allergies?
   • What policies are in the place in the classroom regarding food allergies?
   • Who provides snacks and lunch?
   • What are the snack and lunchtime procedures?
   • How will your child be protected from coming into contact with or eating other children’s food?
   • What is the food policy about special events in the classroom? How will you handle birthday parties or class prizes? You will probably want to set up a snack box — a  container with special treats that are safe for your child. Also ask if there is a freezer where you could keep a container of frosted cupcakes or other baked goods that could be microwaved at the last minute. Remember to boldly label everything!
   • How will substitute teachers be notified of your child’s allergy or intolerance? You may want to provide the teacher many copies of a pre-written notice so that he/she doesn’t have to do it or forget. Here is an example letter for a child with celiac disease: Letter to Substitute Teacher
   • What is the food rule on the bus? Is the bus driver prepared in case of emergency?
4. Provide the teacher with a list of safe and unsafe school supplies. You can find this information here: Gluten-free art supplies for school and Potential food allergens in preschool and school activities.
5. Discuss food allergies with your child… again. There are some great books that really help your child understand it better. Some I recommend:
   • Mommy, Is This Safe to Eat? A Guide for Preschoolers Allergic to Peanuts and Tree Nuts by Christina Black
     This book is small, but the real pictures of food help make the connections for kids. My daughter loved this.
   • Starting School with a Food Allergy: Tips for a Peanut Allergic Kid by Christina Black
     Same author as above, the real pictures of nut-containing foods and of children are what make this book so relatable!
   • Gluten-Free Friends: An Activity Book for Kids by Nancy Patin Falini
     An activity and coloring book for kids age 4-11 about living gluten-free. Would be a great tool to share at school too.
   • Make your own book with your child using cut out pictures of foods he/she cannot have! Have your child create the conversations in the book!
   • Have your child watch other children talk about food allergies. Check out these great videos!
6. Read up on the topic of kids and food allergies yourself. Here are some other books that are great for parents or caregivers of allergic or gluten-free children:
   • How to Manage Your Child’s Life-Threatening Food Allergies: Practical Tips for Everyday Life by Linda Coss
     The author has a child with food allergies and she does a great job providing practical information about school and life. This is a great guide for anyone who has a child with a food allergy — I learned a lot!
   • The Peanut Allergy Answer Book by Michael C. Young
     This book contains everything you want to know about peanut and nut allergy, including latest research. The information presented is straightforward and will give you a better understanding of your child’s allergy. It eased a lot of anxiety I had, so I highly recommend it!
   • Kids with Celiac Disease : A Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy, Gluten-Free Children by Danna Korn
     Written in 2001, some of the references may be out-of-date, but the emotions and advice endure!
   • Back to School Basics – free resource provided by Kids With Food Allergies

One final tip: the easier you make it for the school, teachers and other parents, the more cooperative everyone will be!