Hostess with the Mostess: Hosting an Allergy Friendly Birthday Party

  Posted on May 25, 2015  by Coach Kim  No comments

Thanks to advances in health and nutrition, we now have a greater awareness than ever before about food allergies, intolerances, and special dietary needs of our children than ever before. Yet, while knowing these needs of our children is wonderful for their health and well-being, it can make planning a birthday party feel like a complex juggling act. Whether your own child has an allergy or you’ll be inviting children with food restrictions, these smart strategies will help you feel like a party planning pro.

1. Keep it Small. This first strategy is easy enough to figure out: the fewer guests at a party, the fewer dietary restrictions you have to figure out. Additionally, the smaller atmosphere will give you greater control over the party to make sure all food is safe for your child and/or other children. In this age of mega birthday parties, you and your child just may find the intimacy of a smaller party is a breath of fresh air all the way around!

2. Enlist Help. Don’t be afraid to ask friends or other parents for menu ideas, recipe suggestions, or just more information on the child’s diet. Most people are only too happy to help, especially when it comes to the health and safety of a child. In the case of life threatening food allergies, parents may want to send along special snacks for an added layer of safety. If this is the case, gladly accept the assistance!

3. Change the Focus of the Party. Just because birthday cake and ice cream are the focus of the average party, doesn’t mean it has to be the focus of your child’s birthday! Plan a party around a fun activity and have a few safe snacks at the end of the party.

4. Think Outside the Cake. Gluten and dairy are two common food allergens for many people. Eliminate both by serving special birthday popsicles for dessert. Plus, as long as don’t opt for peanut butter popsicles, these frozen treats will also be safe for the peanut free crowd! Another option is to serve cupcakes instead of a large cake. This way you can easily have a cupcake that accommodates the needs of a child with special dietary needs. This take on the conventional may become such a hit that it becomes your family birthday tradition!

5. Be Discreet. If you need to serve something different to your child and/or others there is no reason anyone but you and the child have to know. Children will be so absorbed in the excitement of the party, they’ll never notice anything out of the ordinary.