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  • Jefferson Adams
    Jefferson Adams

    Dad Booted from Kid's Gluten-Free Pizza Party for Feeding Cereal to His Toddler

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

    An unsuspecting dad was asked to leave a kids' gluten-free pizza party after bringing gluten cereal snacks for his toddler. Was he wrong?

    Dad Booted from Kid's Gluten-Free Pizza Party for Feeding Cereal to His Toddler - A big party. by daveynin is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
    Caption:
    A big party. by daveynin is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

    Celiac.com 11/03/2023 - The removal of a dad from a gluten-free pizza party after bringing cereal snacks for his toddler has sparked a debate about proper etiquette for a gluten-free birthday party.

    Feeding cereal to his toddler at a child's gluten-free pizza party led to a dad's removal from the event, and ignited a debate about proper party etiquette and dietary restrictions. This incident occurred during the birthday party of the man's godson, Tim, who has a severe food allergy that can result in hospitalization. The party invitation prominently stated "GLUTEN FREE PARTY," emphasizing the importance of a gluten-free environment.

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    The dad, unaware of the gluten-free focus, had packed his two-year-old's favorite cereal snacks, which contained gluten. He had been excited to try the gluten-free pizza at the party, as it was something he rarely experienced. When they arrived at the event, they sat outside while the gluten-free pizza was being prepared. However, his toddler grew hungry and became fussy while waiting for food.

    Being an experienced parent, the dad had learned to carry snacks for his child. To appease his hungry toddler, he offered him a bag of Fruit Loops from his bag, not realizing that they contained gluten. As his toddler snacked on the cereal, Tim's parents noticed and began giving him disapproving looks.

    As time passed, Tim also started crying. It turned out that he had a meltdown whenever he saw food he couldn't eat, even though the Fruit Loops contained gluten. The distressed Tim ran to his parents and complained about the dad "bragging" that he could eat gluten-containing foods. In response, the parents became agitated and accused the dad of ruining Tim's birthday and being insensitive by flaunting his ability to consume gluten.

    They argued that he was showing off his lifestyle in front of Tim, who could never have gluten. Tim's parents even questioned their decision to make the dad Tim's godfather, a role he took over from a close friend who had originally been chosen but had passed away from cancer. They contended that they had very little connection with the dad and that his presence was primarily limited to Tim's birthday and some holidays.

    Due to this incident, Tim's parents requested the dad to leave the party, which he eventually did. He found the situation perplexing, particularly how a child's tantrum had led to such a significant conflict. As days passed, there was no contact between the dad and Tim's family, leaving him uncertain about whether he had acted inappropriately.

    One Reddit user offered insight into why Tim's parents reacted so strongly. They explained that as someone with celiac disease, even minimal cross-contamination from gluten could make them severely ill. The pain and inflammation from accidental gluten ingestion could be excruciating, requiring hospitalization. Therefore, Tim's parents' concern over gluten exposure was not unfounded.

    This story underscores the importance of being considerate of dietary restrictions and health conditions when attending social events. While the dad may not have been fully aware of the seriousness of Tim's condition, the incident serves as a reminder to be mindful and respectful of such constraints to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for everyone.

    What are your thoughts? Were the hosts right to ask dad to leave? Share your thoughts or stories below.

    Read more in themirror.co.uk



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    OldNavyWife54

    Absolutely they were right! Celiac Disease should be view as any severe allergy is. I wasn’t diagnosed with celiac disease until I was 53. I then had genetic testing done that showed that I got it from both parents. Concerned for my 3 siblings, I advised them to get tested. Only my sister did, but her doctors advised her that being in her 60’s, a gluten-free diet would make no difference, so she never adopted the diet. Neither brother got tested, stating “we love our donuts.” All have clear symptoms. After that we had major disagreements concerning celiac disease and their inability to take it seriously. When my mother and youngest brother asked to come & live with me in 2016, one rule I made was no gluten containing foods in my kitchen (they think I exaggerate about cross-contamination). My brother would have had his own living space complete with kitchenette, but they objected to my rule. As such, I did not allow them to come & live with me. Many people do not understand just how sick some of us get when exposed to gluten. There needs to be more public education on this very common disorder.

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    trents

    This was not handled well by Tim's parents IMO. They handled it in a way that was sure to generate a relational conflagration. This incident could have been a learning experience for the god father had Tim's parents kept their cool. Becoming hostile did not make Tim any safer on this occasion. This was a classic example of poor communication and the danger it poses to relationships.

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  • About Me

    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

    >VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY JEFFERSON ADAMS

     


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