It’s coming. The last day of school and all that comes with it; parties, picnics and more. It’s all in good fun and a wonderful way to celebrate our children’s hard work throughout the year. But most of these celebrations are geared around food, so it’s also a hectic time for us food allergy mamas as we think of creative ways to get around the inevitable question of whether or not our kids can participate in these food celebrations. My son John has several coming up including end of year baseball and soccer outings at the local ice cream shop, a class celebration at a friend’s house with free use of an ice cream truck, and the school wide hand out of Popsicles on the blacktop after the last bell rings.
These fun little celebrations all include food John can’t have; ice cream. In fact, even Popsicle day is off limits because the ones the PTA buys has a shared facility disclaimer. Usually, the best way to handle all this is 1. make sure I am there if at all possible, and 2. make the yummiest, most delicious treat to send in place of the ice cream. It’s always a bonus when the other kids want what John’s having versus the same old ice cream cone.
Treats are just that…something special to celebrate little moments of greatness in our lives. It’s not always about the food, especially as we get older. Treats could mean a facial, manicure, a round or golf, a new pair of shoes or whatever else you fancy. What I’ve tried to teach my son is to not get caught up by the fact he can’t walk up to the ice cream truck like his friends….it’s more about being WITH his friends, and appreciating the moment of togetherness.
As the school year comes to a close and our kids are home for the summer it’s a great chance to slow down and enjoy the “togetherness”. I personally look forward to lazy days and special treats all summer long. I also look forward to developing and baking some new treats to share with John, my family, his friends and all of you. Here’s to a Happy June!
What great advice that it’s “more about being with your friends, and appreciating the moment of togetherness.” My little one is so caught up in the food that he can’t eat right now. I am looking forward to purchasing your book for all the good recipes. Especially since my son is starting preschool next year and I will have to make him yummy treats, too.
You are such an awesome mom, Kelly! I really like how you have explained to John about sharing the time with his friends is more important than going up to an ice cream truck with usually some creepy guy inside. The Good Humor guy is gone and is now replaced with Joe Dirt. :0)
Make sure that you take your vitamins this week because you are going to need them with end of the year activites for three children and a toddler in tow. Fun!
Words of wisdom for any mother, not just us allergy mamas. Appreciate experiences as treats, not just foods.
And I love your positive presence on your blog. You inspire me to focus more strongly on the positive. Thank you for that.
Yes, I was tapped also to bring end-of-year nut-free treats to school. They always seem to get one more in just when you think you’re finished with treats for the year!
Plus, frozen treats are such a part of summer and your son is lucky to have you making him so many delicious recipes that he can enjoy with his friends!
I also try to reinforce fun doesn’t always mean food–we just attended a local carnival in La Grange and my daughter wanted to eat the food but it just wasn’t safe for her. We helped her get over it by focusing on rides, her friends, etc. and it really worked. She even popped her own popcorn at home and brought it with her. In the end, she had a great time. That’s what it’s all about.
Thanks for the upbeat post!
You’re so right on that Jenny…you think you’re done but then…just one more party to go to! Love the idea about bringing popcorn! Thanks so much!
Thanks so much Tanya for your very sweet post! Trust me, I sometimes need my own daily reminder when I am tapped to bring this or that all the time to various parties!