As children are back in the swing of school, parents of children with food allergies and the children themselves, have concerns about how their food allergy may put them at risk outside of the classroom.
Understandably, dealing with food allergies can be distressing and many people have anxiety about food allergies when eating outside their home. Sometimes, the efforts to prevent an allergic reaction and fear of potential accidental exposure to a food allergen can cause excessive concern that may lead to self-imposed limitations on daily activities. For example, children may avoid participation in extracurricular activities, play dates, or birthday parties, while older children and adults may limit dining at restaurants or traveling. However, with the right precautions, it is possible to maintain safety without giving up the activities that you enjoy.
Talking with your child about safe practices to deal with food allergies is the first step in easing their food allergy-related anxiety. The next step is putting the risks in perspective. Driving in a car or crossing the street are good examples of common activities that can be dangerous but managed with proper safety precautions. The more you and your child know about their food allergy, and the risk of accidental ingestion, the more prepared you can be for situations to avoid potential exposure and in turn, manage stressors. Most importantly, familiarize yourself and caregivers with your food allergy action plan.
Families and children themselves (when able) need to advocate for food-safe environments, which include reading food labels, avoidance of known food allergens, washing hands before eating, and having medication like Zyrtec and Epinephrine on hand to treat accidental exposure if necessary.
Lastly, preparing oneself for situations involving food exposure, like carrying self-prepared foods whenever possible, discussing with teachers, and calling restaurants prior to attendance to communicate their allergy needs, can alleviate many stressors related to eating in environments outside the home.
Educating oneself with credible information and offering evidence-based strategies can significantly decrease a child’s (and their caregiver's) anxiety related to food allergies.
Check out the food allergy resources for more information:
Food Allergy Resources
- Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
- https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/food-allergies-101
- Managing Anxiety: A Handout for Families of Children with Food Allergies: https://www.massgeneral.org/children/food-allergies/managing-anxiety-a-handout-for-families-of-children-with-food-allergies#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20common%20among%20families,participation%20in%20daycare%20or%20school