OT - Playdate with a friend that has food allergies.

[hitchedpumpkin]

DS6 has a play date later today with a friend from school who has food allergies to wheat, dairy, eggs and peanuts. This is the first time his friend will be coming to our house and I am a bit nervous. I don't want to do anything that would cause this kid to have a reaction. His mom said not to worry about buying any special snacks for him to have. She would send some along.
Whenever we have had friends over in the past snacks are usually part of the deal. The kids ask for them throughout the day. My plan is to offer apples or popcicles (after I clear it with the mom). Anyone have any other suggestions or advice? Since the boy goes to school with other kids I assume he knows what he is allowed to have, share etc. I just want to make sure that my son doesn't bug for snacks that could be a problem for his friend since our rule is there has to be enough to go around for everyone. Thoughts?

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Yikes, that is a whole lot of allergies! No wonder your at a loss-I'm really not sure what that leaves you with for food choices. I am the same way when my kids have friends over, we always offer snacks during their play. I wouldn't want to offer something up that the other kid cannot have either. I assume DS and this child go to school together? Maybe since the mom of this boy wasn't too helpful, I would ask son if he knows what this boy eats at school-usually at that age they have snack time or maybe he brings special food for lunch.

 

[dfarner]

It sounds like fruit and pospsicles are the way to go. Maybe some jello? Or those "fruit" snacks that are more like gummi bears?

 

[mrs.beast]

I would not worry about providing snacks. if the other mother said she was sending them, she knows how much to send. my son has food sensitivities and i always send snacks, more than enough and a variety. it is easier and safer for the child's parent to send food. it is polite to offer, but realize that may parents of children with allergies have had people offer food that they think is "safe" and it is not. your idea are good though.

 

[bartleby1]

I would not give ANYTHING unless his mom has read the label and approved it. There is one girl in my DD's school who is allergic to fresh fruit!?! Not sure what it is that she is allergic to, but any child who eats any kind of fresh fruit must clean their hands afterwards due to this girl's allergy. Canned fruit is apparently not a problem.

Anyway, my point is that something you may see as being "not a problem", could very well be. I never realized how many products contain hidden ingredients until my oldest developed allergies when I was nursing her. Thankfully, she has outgrown her allergies and we don't have to deal with the issue anymore.

 

[Princess Roo]

Sounds like you're just trying to be a good hostess.
But it also sounds like what would make the mom happiest is if you feed the snacks she is happy to provide. It can't hurt to ask about the apples and popsicles, of course (she'll probably want to read the box), and you know better than to give anything that wasn't specifically approved by the mom.
Should be a great playdate!

 

[zoemurr]

the friend is totally used to it, and (from my experiences..) will probably have no desire for different food. I bet his mom sends him a bunch of neat stuff that your son will want.

Would you normally snack all day?

Play play play... have snack time (give your kid something not super exciting like pretzels, or plain wafers..) play play play some more!

Don't let the kid feel "different".. just set out the snacks. He will know which ones are his. If the mom isn't stressed about anything you shouldn't be either.

Have fun!

 

[oldbay]

If you feel like having a treat, why not bubbles, a new game, or craft they could do instead of a food treat? This way you still get to do something extra as the host and steer clear of any food issues.

 

[disykat]

Just clear any snack with mom, make sure it is not contaminated (cut with clean knife on clean surface), ask the mom if he carries an epi-pen and how to use it, and then forget about it and let them have fun!

The biggest treat you can give that child is to treat him like he is normal.

 

[hitchedpumpkin]

Well my son's friend just arrived and I think things will be fine. Fed my kids their lunch right before he got here. His mom sent along popcicles, tortilla chips and special choclate milk. I got the green light from her for juicebags, fruit snacks or sliced apples if they want them. From the looks of it they probably won't take a break for snacks. They are having way too much fun. Thanks to all for the great advice.