Sustainable allergy alert T.shirts? Find virtual ways for parents and children to connect with friends and extended family. Consider one-on-one or small group video calls to increase feelings of connection with peers. Engage in calming activities. These are important, so try to take time each day for at least one calming activity. These will be different for each person, but ideas include journaling, art, exercise, reading and outdoor time.
Here’s what I’ve seen in my food allergy coaching practice: When parents give conflicting messages to a child, the child tends to go by what’s been done, not said. For example, if both parents say “you can never cheat with your allergen,” but one parent “cheats” by eating a restricted allergen in front of the child, the child may “cheat” too. They’re simply not old enough to understand that they can’t eat the same foods as Mommy or Daddy, so you must be disciplined in front of them; little eyes and ears are always on.
If only you could put a protective suit on your child. Like an Astronaut suit. To safeguard them from the dangerous foods that may be life threatening. This is the inspiration behind Bootnaut Kids Allergy T.Shirt. Sewing on to my son’s favourite T.Shirt a warning of his Food Allergy helped protect him. Helped him feel more confident. I am in no doubt it added that extra protection, vigilance and support when outside the home. At parties, school events, after school activities; most social events involve food somewhere. Wanting our son to not be excluded and to go out and enjoy life. Read even more information on Children’s Allergy Shirts.
You’ll likely feel like the only ones in the world having to be constantly vigilant about food and you may feel socially isolated at family and community gatherings and celebrations. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself and find support, either online or in person. Some great national resources include Food Allergy Research and Education, Kids With Food Allergies, and Allergy Pals and Allergy Allies USA (free online mentorship for kids and teens with food allergies). Do not be afraid to use your epinephrine auto-injector. There is no cure for food allergies, and epinephrine is the only known way to slow down anaphylaxis. It doesn’t hurt to use it if it turns out you didn’t really need it, but since most deaths from anaphylaxis occur when the administration of epinephrine is delayed, it’s important not to hesitate.
Working with your child’s school is definitely critical, but it’s equally important to work directly with your kid! The more your child understands their food allergy, the more comfortable they will be establishing their own safe eating environment and advocating for themselves if and when they need to. While you’re discussing these topics, it’s a good idea to form a clear action plan of what to do in case of emergency. Who should your child notify? Who, if anyone, will provide medical treatment like an epinephrine injection? Who should be called—you, the doctor, the ER? Along with the official paperwork, it’s a good idea to translate this emergency plan into kid-friendly language and print a copy for your child. You can tape it to their lunch box, stick one in their backpack or even set it as the background on your kid’s mobile device. Read even more details on bootnautkids.co.uk.