Christmas 2010, my oldest daughter ate half of a cashew and our world CHANGED!!
We rushed her to the hospital and it was confirmed that she indeed had a severe allergic reaction to nuts.
Many of her favorite foods were processed with nuts and it can be extremely difficult to explain to a 3 year old that she can no longer have her beloved snacks.
What was more frustrating was dealing with explaining her nut allergy to others! Going to restaurants became frustrating and most of the staff at several restaurants didn’t seem to understand. Many people assumed that if a dish doesn’t contain any actual nuts then that means it is nut-free.
Also not many people seemed knowledgeable about cross-contamination and not many others understood that “My child is severely allergic to ALL nuts” means:
*My child is severely allergic to ALL nuts including almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios;
*and the shells of the nuts can be dangerous too;
*and kisses from people who just ate a candy bar containing nuts can hurt her;
*and opening packages of of peanuts on in airplane can be dangerous;
*and touches from her sweet little friends can be life threatening if they have just eaten a sticky peanut butter sandwich without washing their hands thoroughly!
On top of all of that, dealing with my nerves, as a parent was hard and still is very difficult. With the Holidays approaching and Halloween right around the corner {which we don’t really celebrate but she is around so many people that do, so let’s just say “candy city“}, my nervousness increases. I know, I know, I shouldn’t worry so much because God doesn’t want us to (Philippians 4:6) so I try to stay positive, patient, prepared and I pray. Here are some tips that help me and my family:
- Teaching self awareness and autonomy when age appropriate is very important! I have and still am teaching my oldest to be outspoken at the right times. She will not hesitate to tell her friends, teachers, party hosts, other parents, waiters and waitresses that she is allergic to all nuts. My goal with teaching her about her allergy is not to single her out in a negative way but to teach her that God allowed her to have this nut allergy, so He will give her the strength and grace to handle this and she can teach others about it too!
- Carry back up treats–I carry back up snacks to prevent possible melt downs and save the “hurt” feelings of the party host. Also take the chance to talk to the party host if they have any questions which can help create awareness for others!
- Don’t hesitate to speak up and ask how food is prepared or are any of the ingredients prepared near nuts or on the same machine as nuts. Whether a loved one has prepared the food or a restaurant chef, there is nothing wrong with asking–just be clear, concise and extremely NICE! Have patience because many people do not understand the seriousness of a nut allergy.
- Carry epi pens everywhere you go and teach your child to take responsibility by allowing them to carry their own epi-pens in a a little purse or backpack. {But please keep an eye on them}
- Pray, Pray Pray for peace,patience, knowledge and the safety of your children.
Do you have a child who has food allergies? We would love to know your tips!!
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