The Day I Nearly Hurt My Child
I could start this with: Dear Bestie, Dear Sister, Dear Me from Four Years Ago. I’ve experienced life on both ends of the food allergy spectrum. For three blissful years, I navigated motherhood without a care in the world about food. My son was adventurous, eating anything in sight! But then, life threw me into the chaotic realm of food allergies seemingly overnight. It’s like letting your child play near the edge of a cliff – a constant battle with anxiety about what might happen. It’s daunting, yet manageable.
Reflecting on my past, I wish I had been more aware of how to interact with friends and family who had kids with allergies. I didn’t realize I was being careless, nor did I know how to improve. So here’s a list of practical tips to support moms and their children with food allergies:
- Just Ask: If you’re unsure about a child’s allergies while planning a gathering, reach out. They’ll likely appreciate your concern.
- Label Checks: If I ask to look at labels while visiting, don’t take it personally. Even if you believe it’s safe, I need to be absolutely sure! It’s not about mistrust; it’s just my instinct for safety.
- Handwashing is Key: If I request your child to wash their hands or face, it’s not because I think they’re dirty. I’m just concerned about cross-contamination from what they just ate. I usually have wipes on hand if you need them!
- Crumb Patrol: Don’t mind me if I follow your child around picking up crumbs. It’s just a protective instinct.
- Table Etiquette: If I request that your child eats at the table and not in my play area, it’s solely to keep my daughter safe. It’s not a judgment on your parenting.
- Separate Serving: When offering snacks, please use separate bowls for each item to avoid cross-contamination. It’s a small but crucial step.
- Bring Your Own: Don’t be surprised if I show up with snacks for my child. While I appreciate your efforts to accommodate, it’s not always necessary.
- Cup Control: I may move kids’ cups out of reach to protect my child. It’s a learning process for them, and spills happen.
- Reactions Happen: If my child has an allergic reaction at your home, don’t feel guilty. It’s more common than you think, and I come prepared. Follow-up calls to check on us are sweet gestures that mean a lot.
- Playdate Preference: I prefer hosting playdates at my place or outside, not because I dislike your home, but to make things easier on myself. Plus, it saves you from cleanup duty!
- Food Safety: If you see my child with food that’s not hers, please feel free to remove it and ask me. I appreciate others looking out for her.
- Safety First: If I suddenly shout “No!” from across the room, don’t assume I’m overreacting. My child’s safety is my top priority.
- Event Planning: When organizing food-related events, please contact me in advance to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves safely. It’s tough for my daughter to watch others indulge in treats while she has to stick to fruit.
- Plan Ahead for Meals: Spontaneous lunches or dinners are a challenge for us. If you’d like to invite us, let’s plan ahead!
- Fresh Fruit is a Safe Bet: You can almost always rely on fresh fruit as a safe option.
- School Treats: If sending treats to school, please check with the teacher about allergies. My daughter often has to discard half of what she receives, so safe options are greatly appreciated.
- Friendship Snacks: If your child befriends one with food allergies, consider sending snacks that are safe so they can enjoy lunch together.
- Learn About Allergies: If you spend significant time with a child who has food allergies, familiarize yourself with their allergy action plan and how to use an epinephrine injector. You never know when it could be needed.
Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our kids safe. It truly means the world to allergy moms and their children.
My child has allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts. This is just my perspective; always check with each mom individually for their preferences.
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Summary
Navigating the world of food allergies can be daunting for both parents and children. By fostering understanding and taking simple precautions, we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for kids with allergies. This guide offers practical tips for non-allergy moms to support their friends and foster inclusivity.
Keyphrase: Understanding Food Allergies in Kids
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