How To Say No To Food

Kids can sometimes be reluctant to draw attention to themselves and their food allergies. As long as all crucial adults have been informed (family members, teachers, babysitters, parents of friends, etc.) your child doesn’t have to announce to everyone that they have a food allergy if they’re self-conscious. Here are a few polite ways they can avoid eating food without drawing attention to themselves.

Simply say, “No thank you, I’m not hungry.” Your child doesn’t have to feel pressured to explain why they don’t want something if they use the excuse that they’re not hungry.

They can also say politely that they don’t like a certain food and leave it at that. Most people know kids can be picky eaters and will accept this response.

Your child can also say no and explain it’s because you don’t want them to ruin their appetite. Nobody would want to get in the way of a delicious meal made by mom!
Encourage your child to not feel embarrassed or self-conscious because of their food allergy. Honesty is usually the best policy so the goal is to get your child to feel comfortable sharing that they have a food allergy as a reason for not eating something.

Halloween With Food Allergies

Halloween can be hard for a child with food allergies; candy can be a difficult food to deal with. Most candy has ingredients that aren’t friendly to people with allergies. But Halloween doesn’t have to be something out of a horror movie. There are ways to make this fun holiday special for your child, regardless of their allergies.

Stock your house with candy that is food allergy friendly. Your child can go trick-or-treating and when you get home have a “trade” part where you trade your child’s candy from their candy bag for the safe candy you have at the house.

For younger kids who seem reluctant to give up the candy they’ve gathered, try offering to trade their candy for small toys and other treats.

Before kids are in school they usually aren’t very aware of what Halloween is. Stay at home and let your child answer the door and help hand out the candy to trick – or – treaters.

If you decide to go trick – or – treating make sure to bring any emergency medicine and an epi-pen.

Bring Halloween to your house, where it can be a safe place for your little one. Have a party where everyone wears their costumes and serve great food that is food allergy friendly.

Helping Your Child With Their New Food Allergy

We all know kids don’t like change. So when your child is diagnosed with a food allergy it can seem like the end of the world to them. Suddenly it seems like there’s something wrong with them, their routine is different and they can’t even eat their favorite foods! It can be a really hard time for a child, but as their parent you are a source of comfort and support as they navigate their way through this new food allergy world.

Meet with your child’s doctor without your child present after the diagnosis. You might hear things that overwhelm, shock, or worry you and you’ll have a million questions. Your child will look to you for reassurance and if they’re there when you get upsetting news it can make them feel terrible. Have an adult conversation with your child’s doctor where you get all the facts you need and go over what kind of medication and procedures your child might have to follow.

Meet with your child’s doctor with your child present after the diagnosis. Once you feel like you’re informed and able to handle the information make sure to set up an appointment to talk about your child’s food allergy with them at meeting. It’ll make them feel like they have more control over the situation, and help establish trust with their doctor. Since you’ve already gone over all the heady information you can keep a positive and supportive attitude as the doctor discusses things with your child.

Avoid being overly positive. We all tend to want to slap on a happy face and cheer our children up. But your child might be going through different emotions and wrangling with different thoughts. Older children can tell when you’re being insincere and pretending like everything is great can erode your child’s trust. Being diagnosed with a food allergy doesn’t mean you have to be all doom and gloom, but you can be honest and acknowledge there will be challenges you’ll face as a family.

Don’t force your child to try new foods. If your child is suddenly told they can’t drink milk, eat eggs, or skip peanuts, you can expect them to stubbornly refuse to be flexible about the changes. Having control over food and what they eat is something most kids treasure in a world they have little control over. Avoid setting a glass of soy milk down in front of your child and insisting it tastes the same as dairy milk. Don’t try to trick them either with substitutions. Instead let your child gradually ease into their new diet. Help them feel in control again by making a list of dinners that conveniently don’t include the foods they can’t eat, but are familiar to them. Ask them to pick which one the family will have for dinner.

Don’t scare your child. If you and your spouse are stressed about what this food allergy could mean, avoid having serious discussions in earshot of any of your children. When your child asks about what will happen if they eat something that has the food their allergic to in it, don’t terrify them with stories about going into shock and being stabbed with an epi-pen on the way to the hospital. Keep the information age appropriate and show them all the different tools you have on hand to keep them safe. Establish rules to help them avoid dangerous food (don’t trade lunches, check with an adult before eating something at a party, etc.) and what they should do if they think they’ve eaten something dangerous. Ask them to contribute their own ideas.

Join a support group, and buy literature on food allergies. There’s nothing like feeling of empathy. Hearing someone say, “I’ve been there, I know how you feel,” can make you feel 100% better. Joining a family centered group for kids with food allergies allows you and your child to have a safe place to discuss your fears and triumphs. Buying books for you and age appropriate ones for your child will help put their food allergy into a safe context.

Change can be scary but as an adult and parent it’s your job to help allay your child’s fears.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food

When you have a food allergy shopping at the supermarket can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. But there are two kinds of foods that can make finding the right dish a little easier. Shopping for food with a vegetarian or vegan label can be an easy way to avoid food allergy triggers and still get a great meal. So what is vegetarian food and what does it mean when something is labeled vegan?

Vegetarian dishes are labeled as such because they have no animal byproduct in them. They do typically allow eggs and dairy products though so be wary if you are allergic to either of those. Most vegetarian cuisine gets its protein from soy like tofu or tempeh. They also include grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts. Many vegetarian dishes also use beans as a source of protein. Since vegetarianism is about a wholesome diet many vegetarian foods are fresh, preservative free, and use no additives. This can make sorting through the ingredients list a lost easier. Many Indian, Mediterranean, and Mideasten recipes are vegetarian.

Vegan foods take out all animal products. Anything that was sourced from an animal isn’t allowed in a vegan dish. This means you won’t find eggs, dairy products, or seafood in a vegan dish. Honey is also not allowed. You’ll find many of the same substitutes for meant that you find in vegetarian meals. Soy, nuts, vegetables, fruits and whole grains are all part of a vegan diet.

You can find a lot of creative options to expand your palette and still stay within your allergy boundaries when you try vegetarian and vegan food.

Siblings and Food Allergies

When your child is diagnosed with a food allergy it can rock your whole family. Major lifestyle changes may have to occur that affect not just your child with food allergies, but your other children as well. Being the sibling of someone with food allergies can be difficult, especially if it means sudden changes. Here are some ways to make the transition easier for your children who are allergy free.

Keep your other children as informed as possible. It can be scary to think someone you love can be hurt by simply eating a peanut. If you keep your whole family in the loop it can allay some of the fears that might surface. Reassure your children that you’re taking all the steps needed to keep their sibling safe.

Empower your children by giving them the tools to help their sibling. Show your children where the epi-pens are in the house, and if they’re old enough, explain how they should be used. Give your children age appropriate books about food allergies that can help them better understand what is going on. Ask your children to help you label food in your house as safe for their sibling or not.

Make sure to not single out your child with food allergies. It can be natural instinct to hover over a child diagnosed with a food allergy. But your concern can come across as favoritism in the eyes of your other children. Reinforce that you love all your children equally. Try to make time for one on one moments with each of your children, doing something they enjoy.

If you’re transitioning into a food allergy friendly household be prepared for some temper tantrums. Children have their favorite foods and when those foods are banned from the house it can unleash a lot of anger. Try to make the transition slowly and don’t force your children to try foods they don’t like. Let them gradually develop their pallets as their exposed more often to those foods. Take your children out every once in awhile to enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich away from home. A day with grandparents or sleepover with close friends where your child can eat some of the foods they miss can help quell any stormy tempers.

It might seem hard at first but eventually your whole family will be on the same food allergy friendly boat! 

 

Top 10 Things Not To Say To Someone With A Food Allergy

If you live with a food allergy you’ve probably had plenty of people comment or question you about your lifestyle. Most people have good intentions and mean no harm. But it can drive you crazy to hear things that rub you the wrong way. Here are the top 10 things NOT to say to someone with a food allergy. Have you heard any of them?

 

1. “I know how you feel, I’m on a gluten free diet to lose weight.”

 

2. “ Aw, come on, one little peanut isn’t going to hurt you.”

 

3. “ Doesn’t everyone grow out of their food allergies?”

 

4. “ I used peanut oil in these cookies, but that’s ok because it’s not actually peanuts.”

 

5. “This is a really nice restaurant, you don’t have to ask them how they cook things. Just trust them.”

 

6. “I don’t know how I’d survive with your food allergy. I’d miss eating all the delicious food I love!”

 

7. “Have you every just tried a tree-nut to see what happens? I bet you’d be fine.”

 

8. “You’re last allergic reaction wasn’t bad, that means you’ll never have a dangerous reaction, right?”

 

9. “Why are you sending him to a sleepover with an epi-pen and medication? He’s only going for the night.”

 

10. “ I think people are over diagnosed with food allergies.”

Household Products And Food Allergies

If you have a food allergy you probably are very much aware of what foods you should avoid. But food isn’t the only thing you should be careful with. Some household products contain ingredients that could affect your allergy. Below are some items whose labels you should check before using.

Many soaps have soy or almond extract in them to help soothe and soften the skin. Shampoos also can have ingredients that can make you sick. Most soaps and shampoos advertise the benefits of extracts, which is a benefit if you’re trying to avoid them.

As any pet owner can tell you, dogs go crazy over peanut butter. It isn’t unusual to find peanuts and tree-nuts in pet treats.

Before you stain your table or deck, double check that you’re not using a stain with tree-nuts. Walnuts are especially popular in stain treatments.

People are demanding less chemicals in things such as makeup. While this is a healthy step for everyone in general, it can be dangerous for those of us with allergies. Double check your makeup to make sure it doesn’t have tree-nuts, like Macadamias, or peanuts.

Some laundry detergents include tree-nuts to help clothes smell good. The same goes for dish soap using tree-nuts to keep dishes smelling fresh.

It’s always best to be cautious and double check the ingredients before using any products

Fostering Food Allergy Acceptance in School

School is about to start and you’re all prepared. You’ve packed the epi-pens, spoken to your child’s teacher and nurse, found some great allergy free lunch recipes. You’ve covered all the bases right? Well, there is one issue that can be upsetting for both parents and children- how fellow students will react. It’s in kid’s nature to question things that are different or unusual but sometimes the questions can overwhelm your child. It’s also important to stop any bullying the moment you become aware of it. While children can be reluctant to share with their parents when it comes to playground issues, you can help prepare your child for the school year ahead.

Talk to your child’s teacher about your potential concerns. Rather than just having your child’s teacher reassure you and dropping the subject, provide materials he/she can use in the classroom to foster acceptance. Gift to the classroom age appropriate books about living with food allergies, or making friends with people who are different. Teachers can use these during read-alouds to enforce appropriate behavior.

Ask your child’s teacher to write a letter to parents, informing them about the rules of the classroom. Keeping everyone on the same page help to make sure expectations are clearly laid out. Most teachers write a welcome back letter to parents at the beginning of the school year. Ask them to briefly mention some of the rules that come with having a child with food allergies in the classroom, and how children are expected to act.

Make sure your child isn’t singled out. No child should feel left out or embarrassed because of their dietary restrictions. Teachers don’t even need to mention your child by name when talking about food allergies. A general discussion about proper hand washing, not sharing food, and treating everyone with respect will not single out your child as being “different.”

If there is any sign of teasing or bullying immediately bring it the attention of the teacher and principal. Many students are reluctant to “tattle” on their peers so bullying can happen without adults realizing it. If your child tells you there’s a problem reassure them that they’re not in trouble and you won’t embarrass them. But also explain that they deserve to be treated fairly and they might not be the only ones being bullied.

Host play dates so kids can get to know your child outside of school. Provide fun snacks that fit your child’s dietary restrictions but will also seem “cool” to their peers.

Remember that as society accepts food allergies more and more your child probably won’t be the only one in their classroom with dietary restrictions. Don’t scare your child with your own fears; instead talk about all the positive things the school year will bring. Stay alert as a parent, but also let your child be independent.

Back to School With Food Allergies

The beginning of the school year is a time of adjustment and change for everyone. If your child has food allergies it’s also a time to make sure they’re safe and happy in school. Here are a few ways to ease the transition back to school and ensure the classroom is a safe place for your child.

Meet with your child’s teacher before the school year and discuss your child’s food allergies. Give as much information as possible and provide resources for your child’s teacher to access. If your child has a severe enough allergy, it might make sense to have the class discuss safe practices at the beginning of the year.

Classrooms with students with food allergies typically display signs that say “Peanut Free Zone,” “No Soy Allowed,” etc. Verify with the teacher that such a sign will be displayed at the classroom entrance.

Children with food allergies are often afraid of standing out, or being left behind, because of their lifestyle. Since your child will probably eat at an allergy safe table in the cafeteria, discuss the procedures for lunch tables and if it’s possible for your child to invite a friend to sit with them.

Meet with the school nurse and discuss your child’s medications, from Benadryl, to epi-pen. If possible, keep an epi-pen in the classroom as well.

Ask your child if they have any questions or concerns, or if they would like to come with you to meet with their teacher. Children commonly have their own doubts and fears about a new school year and having them take part in the discussion will give them a sense of control.

Remind your child about the importance of not trading food or sharing food and come up with some ways they can simply explain their food allergy to their fellow classmates. Making their food allergy more accessible, and less strange will help other students connect with your child and include them.

If you have a youngster walk them through the school with the principal, nurse, or teacher and talk about all the ways they’ll be safe and their allergy will be taken care of.

Label a younger child’s lunch bag and food containers with their names, and a brightly colored sticker so they don’t confuse their meal with someone elses. You can also attach a keychain to their lunch bag that can say what their food allergy is.

Make sure your child knows the steps to take if they come in contact with a trigger food, or even think they might have, review the steps with your child and their teacher so you’re all on the same page.

Support for people with food allergies

Having a food allergy can make you feel alone or isolated. Your lifestyle might be different from those of your friends and family and they could struggle to understand. But you’re not alone when living with a food allergy. Joining a club or group with people who understand what you’re going through can be supporting and encouraging. Here are some groups to check out:

Visit the Food Allergy Research & Education site to locate support groups in your area

Kids With Food Allergies offers a support group locator that are kid focused

Many cities offer a variety of support groups and clubs for different food allergies, you can easily find one in a local city

If you can’t find a group that fits your needs, it’s easy to create your own chapter through many reliable organizations

There are even groups for parents of babies with food allergies.

Finding a community that makes you feel welcomed and supported is a great way to live with a food allergy.