Age-Appropriate Ways to Manage Childhood Food Allergies | Covenant Allergy and Asthma

In the United States, researchers estimate that 5.9 million children have been diagnosed with food allergies—roughly two in every classroom. While it is comforting to be able to catch and treat food allergies early in children’s lives, this does expose them to a new set of responsibilities and considerations as they grow up.

As a parent, it can be difficult to understand how to explain food allergies to kids in a way they will understand. While you want them to be informed and educated, it’s also important that they are not too heavily burdened or afraid of carrying out normal childhood activities.

Let’s take a look at some tips to help parents manage food allergies at every stage of life, so kids with allergies can be happy, carefree, and most importantly, safe.

Early Childhood

  • Teach that certain foods make them sick.
  • Teach them what foods to avoid in simple terms.
  • Practice phrases like “no cheese” or “I am allergic to nuts.”
  • Discourage them from taking food from anyone other than a trusted adult.
  • Explain that they are always to find an adult if they start to notice symptoms.

Pre-School

  • Practice asking if new foods are safe before trying.
  • Begin carrying their own auto-injector to school (with the teacher’s knowledge).
  • Let them understand allergic reaction in their terms (i.e. mouth feels hot, breathing is hard, etc.).
  • Practice politely refusing food.
  • Remember to bring medical information wherever they go.

Elementary School

  • Read labels together to look out for allergens.
  • Allow them to bring safe snacks to school or parties.
  • Practice reading menus and asking for information at restaurants.
  • Help them be familiar with foods that might hide their allergen.
  • Involve your child with grocery shopping and food preparation of safe foods.

Middle and High School

  • Discuss their allergies with a few trusted friends.
  • Understand the emergency plan should a reaction occur.
  • Encourage them to advocate for themselves when trusted adults are not present.
  • Practice with an auto-injector trainer so they know what to expect.

If you’re worried that your child may have a food allergy, or need help with allergy management, Covenant Allergy and Asthma is here for you!