Dd's birthday party....

[MagicFinger]

DD is turning 5 and having a whole class party.

One parent had replied informing me her DS is allergic to dairy and that this means no cheese, butter, chocolate or ice cream... Cake might be OK as long as it doesn't have filling and we don't make a chocolate cake.

The parent says she doesn't want to put us out. Aibu to think the parent should provide some separate food which her DS can eat?

i think it is nice to offer to cater but really the parent should be the one offering to bring food for their child rather than just messaging their requirements.

I would ask if she minds sending food separately, so that the child doesn't accidentally end up with the wrong food.

Well for example it wouldn't be that hard to do non dairy sandwiches for everyone, would it?

I always made an effort to cater for children with allergies. You don't have to change things really, just make sure there's a variety so it includes things the child can eat and maybe buy a few dairy free cakes of chocolates so they feel included.

The mum needs to come and keep an eye on her dc and/or provide food. How on earth will you be able to ensure he's 100% OK in the midst of a whole class party?

rightly or wrongly it would depend for me how close DC is..Best friend has likely been round for tea so figured out what he can or can't eat...However a child who is invited because the whole class much less.

I make very little effort with food at parties.. It has mostly been hotdogs, with cheese or jam in a hot dog bun as an alternative

DS is dairy free and I used to send him with a packed lunch, conversely one if DDs friends have a range of allergies that I didn't know about at party one but catered for at subsequent parties (her mum stayed with her to make certain that all was ok and was delighted that there was cake etc for her to eat)

Dairy free is relatively easy, bake with Vitalite, biscuits from that value ranges are usually dairy free, plain crisps, do check sausages /sausage rolls as some add milk, jelly works for small kids, marshmallows & Haribo type sweets. Sandwiches again vitalite and ham/jam/tuna just avoid cheese and you will be fine and loved by the mum!

My dd is allergic to dairy and soya and I wouldn't dream of insisting a host caters for that. She is very aware of what she can't have and will ask, she's 6 now but has asked since she was 3!

Btw, some normal bread contains milk powder and those that don't has soya... oh and some meat products have milk added.... Just let them know that they can come and supervise or provide a packed lunch...