We all know how birthday parties go. You go and watch everyone else eat yummy food while you sit there trying to explain to the birthday kids parents why you can't eat the food. Here are some tips to have a fun time at birthday parties
The parents...
Usually the parents wonder why you can't eat the food. The best way to answer their never-ending questions is by simply saying, I have an auto-immune reaction to certain grains. However, if they still want to know more, you can explain that it is essentially the same as an allergy, and that you will get a bad reaction to the cake, cupcake, etc.
Another common situation is when the parent tries to make something special for you specifically. If it is store-bought and says gluten-free, you can have it! If someone made it, don't be afraid to ask them how they made it, and if you don't feel comfortable eating it, don't! You may think it is rude, but your highest priority is to keep yourself safe.
The food...
It is hard to feel safe eating the deserts at birthday parties, so I tend to just avoid eating them. Instead, a great solution is to simply bring your own desert. I recommend bringing a cupcake in a box, or some pre-packed cookies. Just something that still makes you feel included even though you cannot actually eat the food. You can also ask the parents or kid to tell you what desert they are having beforehand so that you can pack something similar.
Politely Declining...
Another difficult part of birthday parties is when a parent tells you that something they made or bought is gluten free, but you do not feel comfortable eating it. It is important to know how to politely decline, so that you do not hurt their feelings (although you should value your safety as your first priority). Here are some things that you can say:
#1: "Thank you so much for preparing this for me, but I think it may be cross-contaminated and I do not feel comfortable eating it."
#2: "I really appreciate you thinking of me but it doesn't specifically say gluten free and I am really sensitive to even just small traces of wheat."
If you have any more specific questions, don't be afraid to contact me at sarina.fernandez.grinshpun@gmail.com