Creating a Safe Home for Celiac Children
One thing we have done to make our home a little safer for our 6 year old with celiac disease is what we call the red line system. I wrapped red electrical tape around everything that is completely safe for my child: everything from the handles of wooden spoons and rubber spatulas, cutting board and colander handles, bottles of lotion, tubes of lip balm, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, medicine, etc. Once i have checked any product to ensure it is completely gluten free, I mark it with the circle of red tape. I also use the same red tape to mark the edges of shelves in the pantry, fridge, and freezer where we keep foods that are gluten free. The shelves, loaded up with totally safe food, help my daughter to feel like she has lots of choices. The red line helps my daughter identify products that are safe for her to use without having to ask me every time. This is a small way to empower my child, help keep her safe, and give her back some control over her life.
This system also makes it easier for others, like friends, family, and babysitters, to come into my home and safely care for my child. Since we all know that understanding the hidden places gluten can hide can be overwhelming, this system allows others to safely care for my child without knowing all the ins and outs. A babysitter can use the red line system to identify which foods he or she can serve my child or which shampoo to use in the bath.
Comments on This Post:
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Oct. 6, 2009
Reply to This PostCheck out some photos at:
http://www.gling.com/photos/details/34/
http://www.gling.com/photos/details/35/
to see how I have implemented the red line system in my home. -
Oct. 6, 2009
Reply to This PostThis is an awesome blog. I think that this information will be so helpful to families with little children. I would never have thought of doing that.
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Oct. 6, 2009
Reply to This PostCreative way to do that, for sure. It's probably most helpful to your babysitter, I imagine!
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Oct. 6, 2009
Reply to This PostThis is exactly what my mom did!! The difference being I am 19, not 6..it works great though!
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Oct. 6, 2009
Reply to This PostWhat a great idea! Thanks for sharing this!!!
