Family and kids

Celiac disease affects the whole family. Whether you're the one with celiac or you're supporting a family member, these strategies can help make daily life smoother and safer.

When your child has celiac

School lunches

Pack everything from home. This gives you control and peace of mind. Work with the school to ensure a safe eating space. Educate teachers about cross contact—not just ingredients. See our complete school guide for celiac kids for detailed strategies.

Key points to discuss with the school:

• Designated safe eating space (some schools use a "gluten-free table")
• Handwashing before eating
• No sharing of food
• Safe snack options for classroom celebrations
• Art projects that might involve food (pasta necklaces, etc.)

Consider providing the school with a list of safe snacks they can keep on hand for unexpected situations.

Birthday parties

Send your child with safe treats that match what's being served. A cupcake in their favorite flavor so they don't feel left out. Talk to the host ahead of time if you're comfortable. See our guide on hosting safe gatherings for tips you can share with other parents.

Many parents keep a "party box" with safe treats that match common party foods: cupcakes, cookies, chips, and candy. This way, your child always has something safe that looks similar to what other kids are eating.

Teen independence

As kids get older, they need to learn to advocate for themselves. Teach them how to read labels, ask questions at restaurants, and speak up when something doesn't feel right. See our guide on helping teens become independent for age-appropriate strategies.

When you have celiac and kids

Explaining to young children

Young children need simple explanations. "Mommy's body gets sick from certain foods, so I have to eat special food." See our guide on explaining celiac to young children for age-appropriate language.

Make it normal. Don't make it seem like a burden or something to be ashamed of. Kids pick up on your attitude.

Managing a mixed household

Some families go completely gluten-free. Others maintain separate areas and protocols. There's no one right way. See our guide on managing a mixed household for different approaches.

Key considerations:

• Separate toasters and cutting boards
• Separate condiments or squeeze bottles
• Clear labeling of safe vs unsafe foods
• Handwashing protocols
• Storage strategies (separate shelves, clear containers)

Family gatherings and holidays

Holiday meals

Bring your own dishes. Offer to help cook so you can see what's going into the food. Eat before you go if the situation is uncertain. See our guide on navigating your first holidays for detailed strategies.

Consider hosting yourself. This gives you full control over the menu and preparation. You can make traditional dishes gluten-free versions, or create new traditions.

Grandparents and extended family

Give them specific things they can do. "These crackers are safe. This brand is safe." Make it easy to succeed. Appreciate the effort, even when it's imperfect. See our guide on working with grandparents for more strategies.

Some families create a "safe foods" list that grandparents can reference. Include specific brands and where to buy them. This removes guesswork and makes it easier for them to help.

Supporting family members

How siblings can help

Teach siblings about cross contact. Make it their job to help watch out—not to police, but to be an ally. See our guide on friends and family who get it for more ideas.

Age-appropriate ways siblings can help:

• Washing hands before helping with food prep
• Not sharing food without checking first
• Being aware of cross contact risks
• Being supportive when the person with celiac has to skip something

When your spouse doesn't get it

Sometimes spouses struggle to understand the seriousness of celiac disease. This can create tension. See our guides on marriage and celiac and when your spouse doesn't get it for strategies to improve understanding.

Consider involving them in medical appointments so they hear directly from a doctor. Sometimes hearing it from a medical professional helps it sink in.

Dating with celiac

Dating can feel awkward when you have dietary restrictions. But it doesn't have to be a deal-breaker. See our guide on dating with celiac for practical advice on navigating relationships.

Building a supportive family culture

The goal isn't to make celiac the center of everything, but to create an environment where it's just part of life. Normalize it. Talk about it matter-of-factly. Make accommodations feel routine, not special.

Celebrate successes. When you find a great gluten-free restaurant, when a family member remembers to check ingredients, when you navigate a social situation smoothly—acknowledge it. Positive reinforcement helps everyone.