Party Planning: Keeping Your Child Safe
In a previous blog post, we discussed how you could avoid food allergies at holiday parties without denying yourself a fun time. It’s easier to have self-control when you’re older, but what about your toddler? The holidays may be an extremely daunting prospect for many parents with children who have life-threatening food allergies, especially if they’re little. It may be difficult for them to resist a dessert table within their reach! Instead of reacting with fear, teach your children good habits when they attend another person’s dinner party. Also, keep an epinephrine pen with you at all times, just in case. Here are a few things you can do to keep your allergic children safe this season:
Teach them proper etiquette. Instead of running to the food table and piling their plate high with cross-contaminated foods, have them ask the host what is safe. You never know until you ask! The host, or person who cooked, will know which foods were prepared in the same areas, etc. If your child has a peanut or tree nut allergy, have them ask for an alternative dessert that won’t put them at risk. It’s always safe to bring your own baked goods, so that you know for sure your child will have a savory treat. This will help them resist the tempting dessert table while also satisfying their sweet tooth.
Don’t lose them in the crowd. Keep a close eye on your children at all times, if possible. Wandering children have a tendency to end up back at the food or dessert tables! In order to prevent snack-related wandering, have your children seated somewhere in sight, or bring something to distract them. If you’re really concerned, have the host place the food in a higher location, out of your child’s reach.
Show them what is safe. If the dinner party or restaurant is serving the food buffet style, ask to go first. This isn’t a selfish request! People will understand that you are protecting your child and putting their needs first. Travel down the line with your children and show them how to choose foods that aren’t harmful or at risk of cross-contamination. By showing them ways to be cautious and avoid allergy-related foods, they will make those choices themselves when the time comes. Create an allergy card that your children can carry with them at all times to show restaurant servers and party hosts for added safety.
Schedule an appointment. Come see us at Covenant Allergy and Asthma Care! We would love to calm your fears and give your child the treatment he/she needs. Dr. Susan Raschal is a specialist board-certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. When it comes to life-threatening reactions and illnesses, it is important that a board-certified allergist like Dr. Raschal manage your conditions.
At Covenant Allergy & Asthma Care, we understand that navigating the holidays with food allergies can be tricky! Call us for your allergy needs and questions. Have a great week!