Protecting Your Child with Food Allergies
Resources for parents of children with severe allergies
Links to all the web resources we could find for parents. If the website has a wealth of information links to topics are not provided. For these websites search on the title. Always check with your medical care team for advice found.
In 2019, AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) and KFA (Kids with Food Allergies), conducted a three-part food allergy study titled, “My Life with Food Allergy.” (Download PDF)
Key Findings:
- Mental and emotional impact of food allergy on parents is greater than the impact on the children themselves
- Food allergies have major impact on parents’ social lives.
- Food allergies cause significant financial strain and time burden for parents
- 33% of parents did not feel comfortable asking for help when needed
- 44% say they or their spouse had to make a career choice (such as quitting or changing jobs) in order to care for their child
- 59% felt they could never let their guard down
- 74% said eating out was challenging
- 75% of parents said food allergies give them fear and anxiety
- 82% changed family traditions because of food allergy
- 82% of parents think about food allergies all the time
Back-to-School Food Allergy Guidance for Teachers, Nurses, Administrators, and School Staff (Watch Video)
Fare: College and Allergies
- Navigating Food Allergies in College
- Choosing an Allergy-Friendly School
- Food Allergies and Disability Laws: High School to College
- Preparing for College
- Navigating College
- Preparing others to care for your child
- How Might a Child Describe a Reaction?
National Allergy Council
- Resource hub for the 250,000 young Australians living with severe allergy
- Anaphylaxis resources
- Information for parents and people with food allergy
- Schools resources
- Nip allergies in the Bub
- Food Allergy information
- Resources
AllergyUK
Resources/Books/Fact Sheets
- School Policy
- Understanding Anxiety in Children
- Guidance for Early Years
- Practical Tips for Families
- Starting a New School
- Supporting children and adolescents to independence with their allergies
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia
- Best Practice Guidelines
- Ways to reduce risk
- Allergy Aware website CEC
- Babysitters and managing food allergies
- Childcare, pre-school and school activities during celebrations
- Preparing for camp with food allergies
- Jeremy’s children’s book series
- and many more
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC
- Resources: MANAGING FOOD ALLERGIES IN SCHOOLS
- Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies In Schools and Early Care and Education Programs
- State Guidelines
- Guidelines for school settings
- College Corner
- About the U.S. Colleges Directory: Comparing Food Allergy & Gluten-Free Policies
- Studying Abroad with Food Allergies: An Experience Not To Be Missed
- Food Allergies: Hot Tips For Kissing Safely
- Parenting & School
- Video: Allergy Mom Solves ‘No Backpacks’ Rule and Carrying Epi
- Field Trips & Food Allergies: Staying Safe Beyond the Classroom
- Childcare and Food Allergies: Our Journey from Despair to Hope
A Guide to Managing PEANUT ALLERGY (Download PDF)
- This guide will help you manage peanut allergy with confidence.
- What are the symptoms of peanut allergy?
- How do doctors diagnose peanut allergy?
- How can I prevent peanut allergy reactions?
- How do I read labels for peanut?
- Peanut ingredient list
- Is peanut oil safe for peanut allergy?
- Do I need to avoid foods related to peanut?
- What can I substitute for peanut in recipes?
- How can I make sure my child gets enough nutrition on peanut-free diet?
- Will my child outgrow their peanut allergy?
- Is there a treatment for peanut allergy?
Too much? Not enough? Finding the JUST RIGHT Balance of Your Parental Food Allergy Anxiety (Watch Video)
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
School Tools
- Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan
- Anaphylaxis Action Plan – Fillable PDF
- Anaphylaxis Wallet Card
- Back to School Interactive Game – identify the allergy and asthma triggers in the classroom.
- What you should know about anaphylaxis
- Food Allergy Overview
- What you should know about food allergy
- Clinical Report: Management of Food Allergy in the School Setting
- School Health Care Plans for Food Allergies
- 504 Plans for Food Allergies
- School Forms for Food Allergies
- Potential Food Allergens in School Supplies
- Non-Food Rewards for Children with Food Allergies
- School Planning Resources for Parents
- Resources for Schools & Care Centers
- 10 School Planning Tips
Children Books About Food Allergies
FARE Resources for School/Camp/Caregivers
- Section 504, Title II, and Ensuring the Protection of K-12 Students with Severe Allergies (Watch Video)
- Resources for K–12 Schools
- Protecting Food Allergic Students in School: Know Your Rights (View Video)
- Posters
- Heading to Camp
- What Every Parent Must Know About Managing Food Allergies at School (Watch Video)
- Understanding Food Allergy Stress and Navigating the Back to School Season (Watch Video)
- Talking to Caregivers
National Allergy Council
- A resource for School-Aged Teens Living with Severe Allergy A collection of links for the Teen on topics ranging from dating with allergies to parties to how to manage your parents
American Academy of Pediatrics
- Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
- Getting Teenagers with Food Allergy to Carry their Epinephrine Auto-Injectors: Do Financial Incentives Pay Off?
Celiac College Guide
Summary
Parenting a child with severe food allergies demands a multifaceted approach that encompasses education, safety measures, and empowerment. The emotional and practical challenges faced by parents are significant, often surpassing the impact on the children themselves. A study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) revealed that 75% of parents experience fear and anxiety due to their child’s food allergies, with 82% constantly preoccupied with the condition. These concerns frequently lead to alterations in family traditions and social activities, with 82% of families modifying traditions and 74% finding dining out challenging. Additionally, 44% of parents have made career adjustments to better care for their child.
Effective management of a child’s food allergies involves collaboration with healthcare providers to develop personalized strategies. This includes creating an emergency action plan, ensuring the child always has access to prescribed medications like epinephrine auto-injectors, and educating the child on recognizing and avoiding allergens. It’s crucial to teach children problem-solving and coping skills to manage anxiety associated with their condition.
Navigating the educational environment requires proactive communication with school personnel. Resources from organizations like Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) offer guidance on collaborating with schools to ensure a safe learning environment. This includes understanding disability laws related to food allergies and preparing for transitions, such as moving from high school to college.
Recent studies suggest that introducing allergenic foods like peanuts early in a child’s diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing allergies. Research indicates that early exposure to peanuts can decrease the likelihood of peanut allergies by up to 71%. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before introducing such foods, especially in children at high risk for allergies.
Support networks play a vital role in managing the emotional and practical aspects of parenting a child with food allergies. Organizations like Mothers of Children Having Allergies (MOCHA) provide platforms for parents to share experiences and resources, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
Parenting a child with severe food allergies requires a comprehensive strategy that includes education, collaboration with healthcare and educational institutions, early dietary interventions when appropriate, and engagement with support networks. By implementing these measures, parents can create a safer and more inclusive environment for their children, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by food allergies.
Related Reading
- Food Allergy Research & Education: Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) offers a variety of resources, including toolkits, research insights, and safety tips, covering topics such as living wiRelated Readingth food allergies and emergency care plans.
- Food Allergy Research & Education: Connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide emotional support and practical advice. FARE provides a search tool to find support groups in your area, offering both in-person meetings and online forums.
- Kids With Food Allergies: Additionally, Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) offers resources to help families manage food allergies with confidence, including information on specific allergens and coping strategies.
- AAFA: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) provides information on managing food allergies, including steps to prevent allergic reactions and the importance of consulting an allergist.
- University of Michigan Health: The University of Michigan Health offers resources for patients and families, including individualized clinical support, coping tools for emotional stress, and information on epinephrine auto-injector training.