The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 4th Issue | Page 31
5 Tips for Food Allergy Safety
During the Holidays
Bring Your Own Safe Food: I’m not very good at trusting others to prepare
food for my little men. Questions swirl around: Did they read EVERY label?
Did they cut up the vegetables with the same knife that they cut up the cheese?
What spoon did they use to stir those potatoes? So many what-if questions and
so much room for error. I don’t chance it. I always bring my own food for my
little men. Yes, that requires lots of prep work, but with a little bit of planning
it can be done easily.
RSVP -- ASAP: Be a good guest and RSVP early on. This gives you a chance
to gently share about your child’s food allergies and find out what will be served.
If your child has a severe peanut allergy and the host is adamant about serving
peanut butter pie, perhaps you make other arrangements or hire a babysitter for
that night.
Plan Food In Advance: Planning is key to keeping your sanity. As I mentioned
in #1, I take my own food to holiday gatherings. The best way to do this is to
plan out your holiday menu. Make a list of the foods that you want to be sure
to serve or take to holiday gatherings. Then decide which items can be made in
advance. For example, cookies and cupcakes can be made months in advance
and frozen. This shaves hours off your prep time.
Communicate Expectations: Once I arrive for the gathering, I always search the
area for things like a bowl of nuts or cheese that is within my child’s reach. I then
chat with my little men about what’s around them so they are aware. Sometimes
conversations may need to be had with family members about items that have
been set out. Just remember to do so in a kind and gentle way.
Partner Up to Watch Kids: If you’re dealing with young food allergic children.
Partner up with your spouse, a family member, or friend. This will help to keep
track of your kiddos and watch for early signs of a reaction. You can never have
too many eyes.
--Lauren Kossack, EpiFamily.com
As always, if you can’t read the label, don’t serve it,
and always carry your child’s epinephrine.
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