As my son approaches his sixth birthday, I find myself grappling with overwhelming concerns rather than focusing on the joy of the occasion. Instead of celebrating the milestones we’ve shared and the adventures that lie ahead, my anxious thoughts invade my mind.
What if this is his last birthday? What if he encounters an allergen at school? What if he suffers a severe reaction? What if he doesn’t get his EpiPen in time? What if it fails to work? The thought of losing him is unbearable.
To those who don’t have children with food allergies, my worries may seem excessive. I understand that. The idea that food could be life-threatening is difficult to fathom. In the early years with my daughter, I was focused on protecting her from obvious hazards—like traffic, sharp objects, and swimming pools. But suddenly, I find myself needing to shield my son from food, an everyday necessity. It feels like I’m living in a real-life version of the Bubble Boy movie. If I could, I would wrap him in a protective bubble, foregoing all the experiences of life just to keep him safe.
Having grown up with a shellfish allergy, I know how to navigate certain food restrictions, yet managing allergies like milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts is far more challenging. It’s daunting to read labels, make phone calls to manufacturers, and realize how easily cross-contamination can occur. Some products don’t even list allergens clearly, and others disguise them under different names.
We’ve adapted our lives: dining out is rare, and if it happens, he brings his own meals. He enjoys special versions of pancakes and cupcakes, ensuring he feels included. Still, a nagging fear persists. Despite our best efforts, despite his understanding of what he can eat, despite the EpiPen he carries, I worry one day it might not be enough.
What if as he grows older, he begins to dismiss the seriousness of his allergies? What if he craves a sense of normalcy and lets his guard down? What if he doesn’t double-check ingredients? What if he tries a new restaurant or faces cross-contamination at a trusted brand? What if he unknowingly kisses someone who has consumed his allergen? What if someone plays a cruel prank and switches his food?
The “what if” scenarios are endless and paralyzing. But even more concerning is the fear that I might become so consumed by these thoughts that I miss out on the present, on the joy of his sixth birthday.
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In summary, as my son’s birthday approaches, I must strive to balance my fears with the joy of the moment, ensuring I cherish every second of his childhood.
Keyphrase: food allergies and parenting
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