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I wanted to respond to the woman who suggested any parent that was too
selfish to make a celiac child's home totally gf was too selfish to
parent:

We all have to make our own heartfelt decisions about our celiac
children.  Celiac is more than a diet issue -- our real focus is how to
best raise our children in a wheat-eating world.  Developmental issues
are almost, if not more important, than diet issues.

I read the posts from adult celiacs on the main list and often think
about my challenge to raise my child with self-esteem and self-control
as it relates to his diet.  I don't want him to experience the feelings
of deprivation and negativity that are often mentioned by adult celiacs.

I see two opposing and valid points of view on gf households versus non-
gf households.  One point is the child should have a safe haven, where
he/she can eat anything in the home and feel good.  Having everyone else
eat gf helps the child to not feel singled out by diet.  In a gf home,
the celiac child is "normal".

I personally ascribe to a differing point of view.  While my son is only
two, I believe my job is to help my child adapt to the wheat eating
world -- giving him the knowldge and skills he needs to live outside of
our home.  His diet makes him different.  For a celiac, there is no way
around that fact.  We always make sure he has a variety of appetizing gf
food choices and make food, especially gluten-containing food, a non-
issue in our home.

Again, I believe either position is valid.  Coping skills, no matter how
we teach them, is the best gift we can give our celiac kids.

Lindsay Amadeo