What Parents Should Know About Kids With Allergies

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As a parent, I’ve experienced the world of food allergies from both sides of the spectrum. Before my child was diagnosed, I was blissfully unaware of the struggles faced by families dealing with allergies. For three wonderful years, my son relished in the freedom of eating anything he desired. But then, everything changed overnight as I was thrust into the daunting reality of food allergies. It’s akin to allowing your child to play near a steep cliff—anxiety lurks around every corner. You never know when a situation could turn dangerous. It’s frightening but manageable.

Looking back, I wish I had understood how to navigate food choices better when I was around friends and families with allergies. I was careless, but I didn’t know how to improve. Now, I’d like to share some practical insights for how you can support parents and children managing food allergies:

1. If you’re unsure about a child’s allergies while planning a party or playdate, just ask. Most parents will appreciate your concern.
2. Don’t take offense if I request to check labels at your home. Even when food seems safe, it’s crucial for my peace of mind.
3. If I ask your child to wash their hands or face, it’s not about cleanliness; I’m simply concerned about allergens transferring to my child. I usually have wipes on hand if needed!
4. Please don’t think I’m being intrusive if I follow your child around picking up crumbs—it’s just a precaution.
5. I’m not judging your parenting if I ask for kids to eat at the table instead of the playroom. I just need to keep my child’s space free from allergens.
6. When serving snacks, consider keeping the packaging and using separate bowls for each item. This helps prevent cross-contamination, which can make even simple snacks unsafe.
7. Don’t feel offended if I bring my own snacks for my child. While I appreciate your kindness, it’s not always possible to ensure safety.
8. Sometimes I’ll move kids’ drinks up high to keep them out of reach of my child. I’m teaching my child to be cautious, but spills happen.
9. If my child has a reaction at your home, don’t feel responsible. These situations occur more often than you might think, and I come prepared. A follow-up call later can mean a lot to me.
10. I generally prefer playdates at my house or outside, but that’s not a reflection of your home. Plus, this keeps you from cleanup duty!
11. If you see my child with food or drink that isn’t hers, feel free to take it away and ask me about it. I appreciate the effort to keep her safe.
12. If you see me rush across the room yelling “No!” please don’t think I’m overreacting. My child’s safety is my utmost priority.
13. When planning events involving food, please contact me in advance so I can help ensure it’s safe for everyone. It’s hard for my child when she sees others enjoying treats while she has to settle for fruit.
14. Spur-of-the-moment lunch or dinner outings can be challenging. If you’d like to invite us, let’s plan ahead.
15. Fresh fruit is usually a safe option for kids with allergies.
16. If you’re sending treats to school for holidays, check with the teacher about allergies. My child often has to discard most of what she receives from classmates.
17. If your child befriends a child with food allergies at school, consider sending in safe snacks so they can sit together.
18. If you spend a lot of time with a child with food allergies, ask about their allergy action plan and how to use an epinephrine injector. You never know when you might need that knowledge.

Thank you for your understanding and support in protecting children with allergies. It truly makes a difference for us parents and our kids. My child has milk, egg, and peanut allergies, so this perspective is based on our experience. Other parents may have varying opinions, so it’s always best to check with each one individually.

For more insights, check out this informative post on how to support families with allergies. If you’re interested in at-home insemination kits, consider visiting Make a Mom, a trusted retailer. Additionally, Resolve is an excellent resource for information on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

Understanding and supporting families with kids who have food allergies is crucial. From asking about allergies to being mindful of food safety at gatherings, your awareness and concern can make a significant difference.