Birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations should be happy times, but they can often cause extra stress for you and your child. They want to eat the same food as everybody else, and it can be embarrassing to be left out.

Birthday Parties

If there is a party at school, your child can take some snack options that everyone can eat (e.g. a fresh fruit or vegetable tray, pretzels, air-popped popcorn).

A MedicAlert identification is a good idea, so if your child has a hypoglycemia episode, people around them will know what to do. There are many kinds of bracelets or necklaces available.

Holidays

Try to shift the focus off candy and other holiday-themed treats by paying more attention to holiday activities rather than food. For example, apple-picking on Halloween, decorating the Christmas tree, playing volleyball or Frisbee on the 4th of July, and so on.

Going Out to Eat

Many restaurants post their menus online, so try to know the menu to make healthy choices. If the portions are too big, share with a friend or get a take-home box.

Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages like soda or pop, sports drinks, and juices. Many coffee drinks have added fats and calories and should be avoided, or consumed only in small amounts. Smoothies are the same way. 

Water is always a good choice.