Tip of the Week: Holiday food security

There is no time more challenging than the holidays to maintain food security in your child’s life. Routines change, special events are plentiful, and food is the focus everywhere you look. Here are some ways to keep everyone safe and healthy over the next two months:

· Avoid relatives who just don’t get it. If grandma or your brother in law feel like it’s okay to sneak a treat or two to your child when no one is looking, or if you get pressure to relax around your child’s diet, don’t go to their event. One treat turns into many and it’s not about calories, it’s about anxiety and a healthy GI system. Take time to explain why your son or daughter can’t have a day off from PWS and if they can’t understand that, then stay home.

· Plan the menu. The food will be different this time of year and that’s okay, as long as everyone knows in advance what it will be. Your child will be less anxious if he or she knows what is on the menu for holidays or parties.

· Behaviors may change. Even a child who does not typically food seek may do so when his or her anxiety is increased.

Maintaining food security throughout the holidays will make for a calmer and safer experience for everyone.

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families, and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.