Kid Lunch for Birthday Party

[civilspouse]

I'm having trouble coming up with ideas for what to serve at DS's 6th birthday party in a couple weeks. One of the girls coming has a dairy allergy so I'm trying to find something that will work for her or something where I can have a similar thing to sub for her. I asked DS what he would like and he suggested pizza but that doesn't really work with a dairy allergy. I won't really have time to babysit a grill since I'll be entertaining the kids. I'd like to find something easy that I can get/make ahead of time and just pull out. Anyone have any great ideas?

[alotofyarn]

Hot dogs? You could just boil them.

[scrub-jay]

Kid Lunch for Birthday Party

Hot dogs? You could just boil them.

Nope! Most hot dogs contain or are processed with casein and must be avoided by severely dairy allergic individuals.

Things we've done:

- chicken kabobs (we pre-made at home for DD's 5th party)
- taco bar sans cheese & sour cream (don't use store spice mix though)
- sandwiches (no cheese and watch the store-bought bread, they add milk to make the crust look brown)
- fruit
- pasta salads

My best advice: talk to the girl's parents about her favorite foods and what you can do. Maybe have a special meal for her. My dd was happy to be invited and was always touched when someone thought to bring her something bc usually it was just food packed by us). Cakes are hard too. Bakeries have butter and cross-contamination is ever-present. We did Oreos as substitutes 😉

[alotofyarn]

Nope! Most hot dogs contain or are processed with casein and must be avoided by severely dairy allergic individuals.

- chicken kabobs (homemade)
- veges/hummus
- plain Oreos

How big is the group?

Oh, bummer! I guess it would be hard to find dairy free buns anyway too.

[scrub-jay]

Kid Lunch for Birthday Party

Oh, bummer! I guess it would be hard to find dairy free buns anyway too.

My kids have never had a hot dog or hamburger bun in their lives. Dairy is very hard to avoid.

ETA: As an allergy parent to SEVERELY allergic kids (think contact allergic to a drop of milk on skin) it was generally easier to just carefully prepare meals for parties in my dairy-free home. I was always touched when parents reached out to me to ask what they can do or bring for mine. One family bought daiya (dairy free) pizza for mine when they had pizza. My kiddo was stoked.

Also-- have hand wipes/hand washing be a thing, bc friends with cheese-hands can be dangerous.

[civilspouse]

Thanks for the ideas. Good point. I should probably just talk to her mom. I don't think it's a severe allergy because when I asked one time she said that it makes her conjested. She also can't have artificial food dyes because they give her night terrors . The mom has told me that the dad (divorced) doesn't follow the rules but her mom is very strict about it and I want the girl to enjoy the party too and not feel left out.


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[civilspouse]

Where can you get the dairy free pizza?


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[scrub-jay]

Ahhhh, that's good to know. Mine were anaphylactic. We've gotten Daiya pizza from Whole Foods, but I've seen them at some of the more mainstream grocery stores too.

[Thirteen]

Thanks for the ideas. Good point. I should probably just talk to her mom. I don't think it's a severe allergy because when I asked one time she said that it makes her conjested. She also can't have artificial food dyes because they give her night terrors . The mom has told me that the dad (divorced) doesn't follow the rules but her mom is very strict about it and I want the girl to enjoy the party too and not feel left out.


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I'm kinda skeptical that you are dealing with a real food allergy or intolerance - rather, just a very controlling parent. 😇
*sigh*


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[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Our nephew is "allergic" to food dyes too. He gets "hyper". Except that he stole 3 packs of fruit snacks from my pantry and was fine so I'm pretty sure my SIL is just looking for excuses.

[scrub-jay]

Kid Lunch for Birthday Party

I generally try to have grace with food allergies, because I've been interrogated by well-meaning parents. Yes, my kids do have multiple severe food allergies, confirmed by an MD, and I've been assured they can DIE if they eat them. 😡 I agree, this woman sounds like she's diagnosed her daughter's "allergies" and she's the type that make it harder for parents with truly allergic kids. I do know there are a children out there who are anaphylactic to certain food dyes. I have NO idea why someone would want to limit the food choices of their children. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

[civilspouse]

I totally agree and feel bad for the poor girl. It makes me feel bad for kids with real allergies because like you said it makes people take them less seriously.


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