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I guess the real issue is how do we teach our children to cope with their
situation.  Reading posts from the main list, I have developed the fear that
my son will react with the anger that so many people on that list seem to
feel.  As a parent, I hope to help my children (all 4 - one celiac) develop
a positive outlook on life.

I have developed some strategies over the six years since my son was
diagnosed (at the age of two).  Maybe if we all share what we do, we can all
help our children even more.  I think the fact that anyone takes the time to
subscribe to this list indicates that they are not selfish - and that they
are doing the best that they can, just like the rest of us.

As soon as my son turned 3 (the lower age limit for the class) I enrolled
him in a karate school.  I was careful to pick an 'old fashioned' one - that
emphasizes self discipline and respect for self and others.  I believe that
working at developing self discipline from such a young age helps him stick
to the diet.

We count our blessings - one of son's friends has a brain tumor and has been
battling it almost as long as Jimmy has been dealing with celiac.  Put in
perspective, celiac doesn't seem that bad.

I take extra time to do things that help.  For example, even though I work
full time, I try to be class mother (or one of a team of class mothers).
This way, I can make sure that Jimmy always has something at class parties
that he can safely eat, and it makes Jim feel very special - it isn't easy
(especially since my husband - a trucker - works nights) but well worth it.

No, we are not totally gf at home.  I do cook gf, but we do have breakfast
cereals that are not gf and cookies for the two littlest (who were gf - on
the advice of our pediatrician - until they were a year old).  My 8 year old
has his own treat jar (actually, all of my kids have their own - no one
feels different).   Since each child has 'their place' at the table - and
that is the only place (except for outside) that they are permitted to eat -
contamination is not a problem.

It has not been easy - I'll readily admit that.  And coping with outsider's
attitudes can be difficult.  But my goal is to raise reality based, self
disciplined children.  We try to help Jimmy define himself in a way that
includes celiac but is not dominated by it.  What does everyone else think?
Do other people have strategies to share?