Children with food allergies often feel left out in the cold by other adults and children. They are different ones who need special care and consideration and no child wants to feel like a standout. My son, who suffers a severe peanut and tree nut allergy, recently asked me why he had to be different and while I addressed the situation by telling him how special he was, it reminded me that I need to work harder on helping him feel normal.
Do things other kids do. Other kids can go to the movies, have sleepovers and any kind of candy they want without reading the nutrition label. Plan special days with your child to help ease the feelings of being different. You may have to call the movie theater early to ensure there is a safe space for your child or plan the sleepover at your home, but the extra effort is worth the joy your child will feel.
Create recipes that mimic troublesome foods. Your child may not be able to eat that peanut butter egg on Easter or traditional cake on their birthday, but there are food allergy safe recipes for all kinds of allergies. Find a recipe or two each week that mimics the foods your child cannot have and create an alternative that tastes great.
Take your child to meet other food allergy kids. Food allergy meet-ups are scheduled all over the United States. With a little searching you may be surprised to find a support group in your neighborhood. If there are no local meet-ups, start a support group and invite friends and family members to join together in celebration of kids with food allergies. The word will spread and soon your child will have a dedicated group of friends with common interests and concerns.
Give your child an empowered voice. Empowerment starts with education. Educate your child on food allergies. Talk with the school PTA about giving a food allergy presentation at an upcoming meeting. Help your child plan the presentation with a significant part of the presentation dedicated to your child telling others about living with food allergies.
Just because your child suffers from food allergies does not reserve them to a life of being the abnormal one in the crowd. With a little forethought, education and planning, you can give your child the power, strength and normalcy other children have.