Top quality allergy tshirts? Kids may wonder what will happen if they have an allergic reaction, and who will care for them in the event that parents are sick. Review with your kids how you will approach daily food allergy management, as well as emergency situations – should one arise – in the context of COVID-19. If you experience stress about access to allergy-friendly foods or trying new foods, it may be especially helpful to plan meals for at least one week. This way, you can predict when you will need to go to the grocery store and call ahead to food manufacturers to get product information.
You’ve gotten through that first scary food allergy experience and doctor’s visit… now what? How do you explain all of this complex information to your little one so they understand it? So they don’t make a mistake? So they can get help when they need it? I may sound like a broken record but I cannot stress this enough: Understanding your child’s diagnosis is key, as a poorly understood medical diagnosis becomes even more of a stressor. If you left the doctor’s office and still have questions, don’t hesitate to go back and get your questions answered. Once you intimately understand your child’s diagnosis, then you will be able to break it down into simple concepts your child can understand.
It is crucial to find places to eat, with trusted adults who understand and take responsibility. The T.Shirts always start subtle conversations, often without the child noticing. This is where the Allergy T. Shirt was so useful. QUIETLY SHOUTING and making ALL AWARE! Taking a positive view of the condition the BOOTNAUT ALLERGY T.SHIRT became a favourite resource. It helps us negotiate the challenges of living with food allergies and promotes vigilance.Unsatisfied with the range of options available, we decided to produce a sustainable T.Shirt that said it all. The Allergy Logo is on the back which helps ‘quietly shout’ for others to BE AWARE without the child feeling different. We created the design to be fun and cool to wear. Read more information on Food Allergy Tshirts For Kids.
You’ll likely feel like the only ones in the world having to be constantly vigilant about food and you may feel socially isolated at family and community gatherings and celebrations. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself and find support, either online or in person. Some great national resources include Food Allergy Research and Education, Kids With Food Allergies, and Allergy Pals and Allergy Allies USA (free online mentorship for kids and teens with food allergies). Do not be afraid to use your epinephrine auto-injector. There is no cure for food allergies, and epinephrine is the only known way to slow down anaphylaxis. It doesn’t hurt to use it if it turns out you didn’t really need it, but since most deaths from anaphylaxis occur when the administration of epinephrine is delayed, it’s important not to hesitate.
Working with your child’s school is definitely critical, but it’s equally important to work directly with your kid! The more your child understands their food allergy, the more comfortable they will be establishing their own safe eating environment and advocating for themselves if and when they need to. While you’re discussing these topics, it’s a good idea to form a clear action plan of what to do in case of emergency. Who should your child notify? Who, if anyone, will provide medical treatment like an epinephrine injection? Who should be called—you, the doctor, the ER? Along with the official paperwork, it’s a good idea to translate this emergency plan into kid-friendly language and print a copy for your child. You can tape it to their lunch box, stick one in their backpack or even set it as the background on your kid’s mobile device. Find extra information at bootnautkids.co.uk.