Going to School with Food Allergies

Filed in archive Food Allergies , Living with Allergies on August 23, 2007

For many kids, schools starts this month. For parents of children with allergies- whether it's food allergy, insect sting allergy or hay fever- it's an anxiety-filled period. I should know, my son started in a new kindergarten just a few weeks ago. Aside from the usual concerns that face parents - Will my child like the school? Will she find playmates? Will she adjust to the routine? Will she like her teacher?- parents of food allergic children also have to think of ways to minimize the chances of their child having an allergic reaction in school. Briefing the teacher and checking the school policies and vital, and sometimes, additional precautionary measures, such as BYO snacks, may be necessary.

Janine at Our Story had a good plan. Ria at CheckMyTag even has an emergency action plan. I am really amazed at these moms for addressing even the smallest details and I really learn so much from their stories. If you're a parent of a child with food allergies, going to school for the first time, I really invite you to head over and read these mothers' stories.

Sure, there is no fool-proof plan. There will always be the risk that our kids will be accidentally exposed to substances that triggers their allergies. But hey, even these can happen in our very own homes, under our own supervision. And that's why there is a need for plans. Not only to minimize the risk, but also for everyone to be ready, know how to recognize it and what to do should an allergic reaction happen.

Photo Credit: anitapatterson