Two-year-olds are famous for their reluctance to share, which is why I was taken aback when my son’s friend “shared” his ice cream by forcefully offering it to him. His mother beamed with pride, but dread washed over me as I realized my son has a severe dairy allergy. Panic set in as I frantically wiped away ice cream before it could trigger a reaction.
Now four years old, my son carries an EpiPen in his colorful backpack wherever he goes. Every time we eat out, I interrogate waitstaff about ingredients, and I always inform other parents during playdates. Despite our diligence, we have had to visit the emergency room on several occasions. How can we teach our children to navigate a world filled with tempting treats like cupcakes and cookies, particularly during celebrations at daycare?
We are fortunate; aside from the allergy, my son is healthy, and we have reliable access to medical care. Yet, our luck could fade if we slack off on ingredient checks or if we trust someone who dismisses our concerns. A family acquaintance insists that we are overprotective, remarking, “When I was a kid, allergies were rare.” The label of “helicopter parent” has been thrown my way.
Interestingly, he is correct that food allergies are on the rise, but it’s not due to modern parenting styles. According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), around 32 million Americans have food allergies, affecting approximately one in thirteen children. These allergies lead to emergency room visits every three minutes, with over 40% of affected children experiencing severe reactions, including anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition that constricts airways and drops blood pressure.
The CDC reports a 50% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2011, with peanut allergies tripling. This alarming trend has financial implications as well; families in the U.S. spend nearly $25 billion annually managing food allergies.
So, what’s driving this surge? Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t simply due to heightened awareness or better diagnostic methods. Genetics alone cannot be blamed either. Environmental factors seem to play a significant role. Allergies are more prevalent in urban settings, possibly linked to pollution and dietary habits. Some researchers suggest that shifts in the human microbiome—the vast array of bacteria and fungi in our bodies—may alter immune responses to allergens, as noted in a recent study in Frontiers in Immunology.
It’s crucial to turn this awareness into action. We need more research to uncover the reasons behind the rise in allergies and explore potential treatments. Access to EpiPens should be a right, not a privilege, and no family should have to rely on GoFundMe campaigns for essential medication.
On a personal note, my son has learned to ask about his food and we often bring allergy-friendly treats to social events so he can participate without worry. While he sometimes feels excluded—like when classmates say, “You can’t eat anything fun”—these moments are teaching him resilience and compassion. “I can eat lots of fun things,” he proudly responds, “like popsicles!” and off he goes to enjoy himself.
For more insights on parenting and health, explore our other blog post linked here. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit this excellent resource.
Summary
Teaching children about food allergies is essential, even if they don’t have one themselves. Understanding food allergies can foster empathy and resilience in kids, ensuring they are aware and safe in various social situations. Parents should actively educate their children and advocate for better access to life-saving medications like EpiPens.