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Home   »   Resources  »  Resource Guides

Home   »   Resources  »  How-To Guides   »   Winter Holiday


With as many as 1 in 13 children in America diagnosed with a food allergy and many more who struggle with feeding issues, being aware of dietary restrictions can be a life or death situation at the holiday dinner table. Even when a child's issues do not result from a medical condition, the way family and friends respond to dietary concerns can make the difference between a comfortable, happy holiday and a situation that puts unnecessary stress on a child.

Some of the most common challenges for families who struggle with food are getting friends and family with:

  • Accepting Dietary Restrictions (for example, not understanding that gluten free isn't just a fad life-style - it's a matter of health)
  • Accommodating Food Allergies and Safely Handling of Foods (for example, unknowingly cross-contaminating a "safe" plate)
  • Understanding Family Food Choices (for example, not taking offense when a struggling child is offered an alternative meal)
Connecting for Kids families rely on a number of different strategies for dealing with holiday meals, including:
  • Educating Family and Friends: Many families who struggle with food allergies bear the burden of constantly educating friends and family. If you are new to celebrating the holidays with a food allergy, you can find some great information on creating a food allergy safety zone from FARE. FARE also offers educational information that families can use to help educate caregivers such as grandparents and extended family.
  • Looking Out for Cross-Contamination: Let your host know about the dangers of cross-contamination and plan ahead for visitors coming to your home. Kids with Food Allergies offers some good tips for avoiding cross-contamination when guests are around.
  • Offering to Bring a Safe Dish: Often, extended families want to help a struggling child but just don't have the knowledge to do so safely. By bringing a safe dish that everyone can enjoy, you can make your child feel welcome at the table and show everyone that allergy-friendly foods are nothing to be afraid of.

Additional Resources

Featured Content
  • Living with Food Allergies: What You Need to Know (CFK Podcast)
  • Solutions for Picky Eaters and Problem Feeders (CFK Podcast)
  • Feeding and Diet Challenges (CFK Podcast)
  • Food Allergies (CFK Pinterest)
  • Feeding Issues (CFK Pinterest)
Articles
  • 12 Ways to Say "No" to Unsafe Holiday Festivities (Allergic Living)
  • Elf on the Shelf Idea for Kids with Food Allergies (FARE)
  • Feeding "Picky Eaters" Over the Holidays (Parents)
  • Planning for Holiday Meals with a Picky Eater (ASHA)
  • Tips for Hosting a Food-Allergy Friendly Holiday Party (Cincinnati Children's Hospital)
  • Tips to Safely Celebrate Christmas with Food Allergies (Kids with Food Allergies)


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