WAKING UP TO FOOD ALLERGIES

When we wake up in the morning, we get to make so many choices from snooze buttons to sneakers. Freedom is empowering. But for over two million kids in America choices are limited. Each day they awake allergic to food. No choice.

You probably have or will have a child in your life who is allergic to food. They may be a child’s classmate, a child in your neighborhood, or a grandchild in your own home. I have two little ones in my home who are allergic to multiple foods. We also interact with many other children who have food allergies. I am learning that a basic knowledge of, or at least sensitivity to food allergies is becoming essential in our circles.

An allergy is an actual immune response to a food that the body sees as harmful. There are varying degrees of responses that range from a tingling mouth to the throat swelling or throwing up. Other responses are breaking out in hives, stomach pains or losing consciousness. It is possible to have difficulty breathing or even immediate death. A child’s reactions may be mild during one occurrence and then severe another time.

Allergies are not contagious. But it is important to know that when a child has an allergic reaction they need help quickly. A child with severe allergies will be given a prescription for epinephrine, more commonly known as an EpiPen® or Twinject®. Any care provider for a child with severe allergies should be trained by that child’s parent in the proper usage of this life saving tool.

The list of possible food allergies is endless. The most common food allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, fish, eggs and wheat.

Allergies are frequently confused with intolerances. Intolerances, as uncomfortable for the digestive system as they may be, do not involve the immune system at all. Intolerances may cause a child to feel even sicker than a mild food allergy and are to be taken seriously. Also, it is common to have both allergies and intolerances.

When a child has a food allergy and/or intolerance they have to learn early to show their body respect in order to keep it healthy. It helps when those around you have an understanding of the situation and can help make a safe environment.

It is tricky for kids with food problems. Food is everywhere: home, school, play dates, church and parties. Kids are always getting treats pushed at them from sports, banks and doctors. Even Santa at the mall has a candy cane to give. Food is a big part of life.

How do kids with food issues keep themselves healthy? They must learn to be flexible, smart and creative. I explain to my children that this is not flexible like putting their legs behind their head, but flexible like being able to bring their own food or going without sometimes, and that it is OK.

It is essential, sometimes even a matter of life and death, to teach children how to keep themselves safe. They need to be brave and smart by using their voice of power and say “No, thank you” to a food that is not safe for them. They must learn this response particularly if they are not absolutely sure of the ingredients. Ingredients change unexpectedly and frequently in many products.

My children have had to learn very early, around 3 or 4 years old, to be accountable for their own health. They speak up and say “No, thank you, I am allergic to that. But, I can have this instead.” Or “No thank you, I have allergies and I am not sure if I can eat that.” They have too many encounters with food where I am not with them. They have to learn to be responsible. It is ultimately their health and problem for life not mine.

In most food encounters, the solution is being smart enough to plan ahead and ask questions. For example, if my young children are going to a birthday party we will call the party parent ahead of time. We’ll ask, “What food and drink will be at the party? Will there be cake? What color will your frosting be? Will you have a piñata or party favor bag?” We usually bring our own cupcake and try to match the party cake.

Allergies can foster creativity. “I can’t have a hot dog in a bun, but I can cut my hot dog to have octopus tentacles.” Food can be served on something colorful or in an unusual container for a change. How about carrot sticks in a traveling tooth brush container? You can also substitute non-food items like hair clips or silly putty for the customary edible treat.

Food allergies and intolerances can seem all-consuming, but if food safety is learned and practiced they are manageable. Life is diverse and there is a lot more to a child with food issues than what goes into their mouth. We often hear others refer to my 6 year old daughter, “Oh, that poor thing. I feel so bad for her.” We just respond with, “We eat plenty of good things and there is more to life than food. She can ride her bike, jump on a trampoline, dance and you should hear her read.” The trick is to empower your child and help them have some control over their situation. Help them realize that they still have all kinds of choices--they are just different. We also firmly believe that we are blessed with this opportunity to grow. Everybody is blessed with trials to grow. So, whatever we each wake up to in the morning, one thing we can all choose to do is put on a smile.