Well, those last two questions were questions I asked myself this week in preparation for Valentine's Day. This year my daughter (allergic to peanut, egg, & milk) made her fancy box into a yellow and orange owl. Today she skipped up to the door at preschool, the orange owl wings on the box flapping lifelike in the winter breeze, and was happy and ready for the party! My goal as a food allergy parent is to help her have wonderful experiences and prevent her from worrying and anxiety. Granted, I totally forgot to bring her sneakers, so she'll be in winter boots all day (ugh), however, she is fully prepared for the party! I baked a non-dairy pizza that the teachers will heat up at lunch. She has some safe candy in her book bag so I know she will have a safe treat. She also knows she has to wait until she's home so I can check the other candy for her allergens.
Well, those last two questions were questions I asked myself this week in preparation for Valentine's Day. This year my daughter (allergic to peanut, egg, & milk) made her fancy box into a yellow and orange owl. Today she skipped up to the door at preschool, the orange owl wings on the box flapping lifelike in the winter breeze, and was happy and ready for the party! My goal as a food allergy parent is to help her have wonderful experiences and prevent her from worrying and anxiety. Granted, I totally forgot to bring her sneakers, so she'll be in winter boots all day (ugh), however, she is fully prepared for the party! I baked a non-dairy pizza that the teachers will heat up at lunch. She has some safe candy in her backpack so I know she will have a safe treat. She also knows she has to wait until she's home so I can check the other candy for her allergens.
The key is to be prepared...which is somewhat hard for me considering I am a very traditional procrastinator and sometimes forgetful...yup, those darn boots. The teachers and I communicate regularly and they let me know what foods will be served. They are great about heating up pizza and they always text me a picture of a label if they want to give her a different food. They know to wash their hands and clean her table. The kids always wash their hands after lunch too. Fingers crossed, she will have a fun holiday!
Being prepared as an adult with food allergies can accomplish the same goals; have a wonderful experience and less worry and anxiety. Call ahead to the restaurant to talk to the manager or chef. Tell your partner about your allergen needs. A little prep can mean you have a fun holiday too!
For parents, download a FREE Valentine's Day coloring page for your child!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Meghan
