My ds(just turned 7) has been invited to spend the day with a friend. I have talked to this little boy's mom at school several times, and she is very nice. Her ds has been to our house a few times, but because they were doing remodeling this is the first time my ds will be going to their house. My ds wants me to pack him a lunch. He has severe reflux, and we have recently made a lot of dietary changes. He is now on a pretty strict diet. He is also very picky because of the reflux. If he eats too much of the wrong foods, he will vomit. Unfortunately, because of all the problems we have had, he tends to worry about what he eats, espcially new foods. We just don't know how certain things will effect him. So, do you think it is bad to pack him a lunch. I would explain everything to this boy's mom when I drop off ds. What do you think? I just want my ds to have a good time without worrying about food.

By Colette on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 06:04 pm:

No, I wouldn't be insulted. I'd be happy.

By Tarable on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 06:27 pm:

I would definatly pack the lunch and just tell the mom that your son was more comfortable knowing that he has a back up just in case he can't eat what every one else is eating and explain his problems.

By Vicki on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 06:36 pm:

I wouldn't be insulted at all. Now, if you didn't explain the reason for it, I might find it a bit odd. But given the reason, I would appreciate the fact you packed his lunch in case I didn't have things on hand he could eat.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 06:41 pm:

I not only don't think it is an insult, I would call the mom ahead of time, thank her for the invitation, tell her about your son's digestive problems and tell her that you are packing a lunch for him "just in case" - not that she won't serve thoroughly wholesome foods but that you don't want her to have to go to any special trouble because of your son's tricky digestive system. You can assure her that your son knows quite well what he can and cannot eat, so she doesn't have to worry that he might eat something not good for him.

By Marcia on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 06:41 pm:

I would think she would feel relieved, knowing she doesn't have to take on the responsibility of feeding him the proper foods.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 06:47 pm:

Ditto everyone above. Wouldn't bother me in the least. In fact, I often pack lunches and snacks for my kids when going on play dates due to their severe nut allergies. So far everyone has been very understanding and thankful. If someone happens to be insulted, too bad! We're taking precautions to keep our kids healthy.

By Cocoabutter on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 06:50 pm:

My ds has a friend who is allergic to peanuts, and no matter what we are eating, he refuses to join us. I am not insulted. After all, I know he's a nice kid and doesn't mean any offense, but he's just more comfortable eating at home.

I would explain ahead of time to the mom, too.

By Crystal915 on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 07:22 pm:

Another one for not offended. If my kids had a friend over with food restrictions, I'd be happy if their parents accomodated that with a packed lunch, and a polite explanation.

By Debbie on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 08:04 pm:

Thank you all! It looks like I will be packing a lunch, and talking to the boy's mom.

By Conni on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 10:16 pm:

No way!!! A friend would not be insulted by this at all. Only thankful and taking note of what you send so she might have it in the fridge or pantry for the next playdate.

By Jelygu on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 11:11 pm:

I agree with all of the above!

By Amecmom on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 11:19 pm:

Not only would I not be insulted. I would be pleased at your thoughtfulness. Perhaps there is something that your son likes to eat that he could bring enough of to share in case his friend might like some, too? Also a simple explanation to the mom.
Ame