In my son’s preschool class, there are no food allergies among the kids. I often struggle to come up with creative lunch ideas, so I appreciate being able to prepare the same straightforward meal each day: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple slices, grapes, snap pea crisps, and apple juice. While I occasionally switch it up, the simplicity helps ease my hectic mornings. I save the culinary creativity for dinner time.
If a food allergy were to arise in his class, and I couldn’t send him with his favorite sandwich, it would undoubtedly complicate my routine. However, I would willingly adapt because I am deeply thankful to not have the added stress of managing a child with food allergies. Anything I can do to assist parents navigating these challenges, I’m on board.
Recently, an allergy mom shared her daily experiences managing her son’s allergies in a poignant piece for The Huffington Post. It served as a stark reminder of the challenges these families face and highlighted the importance of empathy from those of us who are unaffected. Her son, just six years old, is allergic to dairy, nuts, and peanuts.
She wrote about the daily hurdles she encounters. While society has become more accepting of families with food allergies, she still feels unfairly scrutinized, as though the responsibility lies solely with her and her child. Imagine sending your six-year-old to school and having to trust that he can avoid potentially life-threatening situations. I find it hard to fathom. Her son carries an EpiPen everywhere, while mine clings to a Batman figurine.
She understands that the teachers are trained to use the EpiPen, but she worries about bus drivers. Each day, she anxiously awaits her son’s bus, and if there are sirens in the distance, dread washes over her. When he comes home and complains of feeling unwell, she can’t simply tell him to rest. Instead, she must meticulously retrace his day to determine if he was exposed to anything harmful.
From her account:
“My son mentioned he picked something up at school. Initially, he thought it was plastic, intending to recycle it, but it turned out to be a chunk of Kit-Kat. The chocolate melted on his hands, which he washed off. My stomach drops; did he touch his face or clothes before washing? Did he taste it? Did he smell it? He insists he didn’t, but I remain doubtful.
When did this happen? The timing is crucial. Unfortunately, he reveals it happened right before boarding the bus, giving him just enough time to start a reaction if he touched his face or fingers—if he didn’t wash thoroughly enough or if he is indeed reacting.”
Parents of children with allergies shoulder a heavy burden. They work tirelessly every day to keep their homes free of allergens, teaching their children how to navigate a world that can be perilous. If keeping a special area in the cafeteria or banning birthday treats helps ensure the safety of their children, then so be it.
Instead of feeling burdened by these modifications, we should cultivate gratitude for our own circumstances.
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In summary, let’s strive to be more understanding and considerate of families facing the challenges of food allergies. Their daily lives are filled with vigilance and care, and a little empathy can go a long way in supporting their journey.