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Do you find it challenging to help people understand what it means to live with food allergies? This free two-page handout can help. The question and answer format is ideal for giving to teachers, caregivers, other parents, family members or anyone else who needs accurate information.

 

The questions addressed include:

  • Is peanut allergy the only allergy that is serious?  What about other foods?
  • I’ve heard kids can die from food allergies.  Is this true?
  • Do kids outgrow their food allergies?
  • What can I do if I know someone with a food allergy?

DOWNLOAD this printable community handout to share!

This handout was revised on August 30th, 2014 to reflect requests for changes from parents who contacted us. Thanks to those of you who provided valuable feedback to further improve this handout. We listened and responded to your suggestions.

 

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I understand this handout was created to help people understand food allergies, but including statements like, "Children may be asked to not bring certain foods to school so other children with food allergies can participate in school activities with their classmates and not feel different or left out." makes it more difficult for parents of children with life threatening food allergies.

 

The reason for not bringing certain foods to school is so children don't die, period.  

 

Diluting the message and making it about feelings only makes it easier for people to disregard and minimize the seriousness of food allergies.  I have read many online comments from parents of non-allergic children who don't want their child denied something so someone else's child's feelings don't get hurt.  These kinds of statements about "feelings" just reinforces their position and makes it harder for parents of children with food allergies to keep their children safe.

 

It's not about hurt feelings - it's about keeping our children alive.

D

I have a child with multiple food allergies, with dairy being the most severe.  He also has had asthma induced with "contact sensitive" reactions from accidentally touching an allergen on a surface and then touching a membrane (eyes, nose, lips).  Many people do not realize the severity of "cross-contamination" and or "contact sensitive" individuals with food allergies.  Putting my son in a room full of kids eating something that he can't is just as dangerous due to the "contact sensitivity". 

 

I am sorry, Lynda, but I have to disagree that we have to do our best with "inclusion", but not when a kid has severe food allergies.  That ONLY works with the less sensitive individuals with food allergies.  My son can't sit next to another eating nacho's with cheese or a cupcake if that other kid isn't careful about his hands or his personal space....PERIOD!!!  I also agree with Dashimom that the way this was worded does minimize the severity of a lot of kids out there with food allergies.  It isn't our kids faults they have these allergies, just like it isn't a kids fault for having type 1 diabetes.  Both kids have to be careful about the foods they eat or don't eat for different reasons, but both have severe consequences if they don't follow their dietary guidelines.  So, many parents out there don't truly "get-it" about food allergies and so it is AUTOMATICALLY minimized by lack of knowledge often.  I have also had people say....don't worry so much....you carry and epi-pen ....that will save his life.  I have to then tell them that a kid with such sensitivity and asthma is more likely to DIE than one that just has the food allergy.  The real issue at hand is these kids can DIE from accidental ingesting or by accidental contact to membrane induced reactions and I am SO SICK of having to apologize for why the kid next to mine can't load up on all the crappy junk food that parents mistake for good nutrition anymore anyways.  Why does it always have to be pizza parties and ice cream socials???  Why can't kids ever have fruit kabobs, veggies or a chicken sandwich vs. pizza, hot dogs and burgers?!!!  They wonder why our kids are so obese anymore and it has a lot to do with our kids eating nothing but processed and food loaded full of chemicals.  Sorry, for my soap box, but I am tired of these kids with food allergies, who are alienated often enough, by not having the same freedoms as the next kid to attend sleep overs, birthday parties and a simple trip with a friend to a restaurant, to constantly have to almost apologize for helping them exist with others in this world.  We constantly have to politely ask others to be understanding about our kid with food allergies and MANY times I have encountered parents that are total jerks as their kid just has to bring cupcakes to sunday school or soccer practice for their birthday.  No exceptions.....can't I just throw your son a carrot stick?  I bring chips and juice drinks often to help show that kids will eat other things too and be just as happy if they get a free snack for no special occasion and something that is healthy and 100% juice and not chemically derived Gatorade or Kool-Aid.  I have won some parents over often to being another parent that "gets-it" or tries to get it that way.  However, minimizing it just adds fuel to the ones that think we are just bonkers....our kids can't die sitting next to their kid on the little league bench downing a hot dog with cheese or a candy bar as their parents didn't have time to feed them at home as I had to and really could care less about my child possibly dying as a result of it.  My son has had to come off the bench before as it was just too close and risky to take the chance.  Finally, we got a coach that stopped food on the bench and if anything they wait til they are done eating to play the game on the bleachers.  Our kids are made to feel like second class citizens enough and almost freaks of nature by others and parents are often seen as helicopter parents or bonkers because we go to extreme measures with our wet wipes in one hand trying to keep our kids safe.  Please, I expected more support from this website for kids with food allergies and asthma.  The real message we need to get out is....our kids can die from this and stop sugar coating it.  In less, you want my kid left out as you are too selfish....lets teach all the kids empathy for others and support them.  I am sure their parents can take their kids to McDonalds for a chocolate shake after the game, but lets keep their fellow friends alive.  I have dealt with this for 14 years and people are more considerate of the people with physical or apparent disabilities as they are the kids that are normal in every sense of the word, but have food allergies and asthma.  We are made to feel like we have to beg them to get on board to help our kids be included.  That's how I feel about your so-called inclusion remark.  Yes, I am bitter, but would like to see it get easier for other parents out there and the increasing number of kids that are getting food allergies each year.  Please, don't just minimize it and our efforts for a nice politically correct ....doesn't mean squat....brochure! 

FA

Hi Cheryl,

 

I'm really sorry you have had so many bad experiences and trust me, I understand. My son has food allergies - had multiple food allergies as a little kid, is still anaphylactic to his allergens. He had anaphylaxis at school in first grade. I get it, I really do.

 

Did you see page 2 of this handout? It specifically asks the question, "Can kids die from food allergies?" and it's answered.  the very last question on page 2 gives ways for people without food allergies to help children who have food allergies.  It addresses issues of cross contact.

 

We've always strived to emphasize the need for a community of support to keep children with food allergies healthy, safe and included. And you are right, we must provide a safe environment for children to be included. I would be the first person to agree with you on that point.

 

Safety is paramount but we don't want kids with food allergies to deal with emotional and social impact of exclusion. That was the intention of the answer to that question.

 

This handout was not designed to cover everything. It's for people who have no knowledge of food allergies to get an overview of key points.  It's hard to cover everything in two pages or repeat information more than once.  

 

If you still have concerns, please contact me at lmitchell@kidswithfoodallergies.org and give me an idea of what you have in mind what it should say.  I'd like to hear from you.

 

Lynda

 

 

Lynda
Last edited by Kids With Food Allergies

That handout is great - thank you!!  The only thing I didn't like about it was the "clean" theory as my son's teacher is constantly telling me that this is the reason he has food allergies.  annoys me to no end! I would have liked the article not to include any theories but besides that, I love it and plan to use it.

 

ReeseCat
Originally Posted by ReeseCat:

That handout is great - thank you!!  The only thing I didn't like about it was the "clean" theory as my son's teacher is constantly telling me that this is the reason he has food allergies.  annoys me to no end! I would have liked the article not to include any theories but besides that, I love it and plan to use it.

 

Reese, I agree with that. I was considering giving it to my son's teacher and then got to that line and decided not to. However, Lynda, that's not to say I don't appreciate you all working hard on it. It would be impossible to come up with anything that would please all of us

 

A
Last edited by AMom

Was that directed to me??  I actually didn't work on that particular handout, but yes a lot of work goes into resources like this.  And it's always a difficult balancing act since dealing w/ food allergies is a wide spectrum.  If you have concerns or suggestions, you can e-mail them directly to Lynda at the address she provided above.  I'm sorry to hear it did not fit your particular needs and you decided not to give it to the teacher.  Thank for your feedback though as it is always good to get a sense of what our members need.

Kathy P

Kathy, I typed your name and hit post and then realized it should have been Lynda (you are both so helpful on here that I think I got you confused). I edited it back to say Lynda, but your name was was there for a few minutes. I'm sorry for making it confusing! 

A

I'm really appreciative of the comments! We want this to be a helpful resource.  I've gotten a few other comments already and will discuss with our medical advisory team about how to proceed.

 

  

Lynda
Last edited by Kids With Food Allergies

ReeseCat

 

Tell the teacher that the "clean theory" has NOT been proven as a cause for kids getting food allergies.  It's just one theory and to my knowledge it has not been proven.  I had a kindergarten teacher that told me, by state law they have to have the kids wash their hands prior to lunch or eating, but that afterwards was not a requirement, nor would they have the time to take that additional step for me.  I pleaded my case due to the contact sensitivity and shared surfaces in a kindergarten classroom and was not given much support by that school district.  I made the choice to homeschool after my son spent a week in intensive care fighting to live due to the school's helpfulness.  Remember, although it is important not to make unnecessary requirements or waves with the teacher, you know your child and circumstances best.  Be your childs best advocate and don't try to win the popularity contest as you can't be that type of parent usually with a kid with food allergies.  You will get the comments and the looks from others that don't "get it" and you just have to develop a thick skin to it all and if you have a faith, pray hard for wisdom in how to say things and how to make a positive difference.  I offered and furnished so many wet wipes over the years, just to get my child involved with some sorta activity and to make it safer.  As far a the clean theory, I had to keep hands of other kids clean in order for my son to be able to be near them again after they ate and to make sure I limited the exposure to allergens from residue left on hands.  You need to have a heart to heart with that teacher and remind her it is not a proven premise.  Surely, she has been taught the scientific method and you have to support your theories, not just promote them as fact unless proven.  Anyway, I am just here to support you and be sure that you do what is in your childs best interest.  I had to finally say am I going to be a pioneer for my kid and food allergies....or am I gonna sit back and let someone else call the shots and have my child possibly die as a result of them not "getting it".  I sure didn't want a plaque on some school lobby as a tribute to the kid that died from food allergies.  Be safe and trust that mom gut at all expense!  My advice after dealing with the people who will never get it for 14 years. 

FA

Lynda,

 

I appreciate your response back.  I am sorry if I sorta beat up on the hands trying to help us deal.  I do agree that it is hard to have one hand out fit all, but it is always a help to have something.  I think it is hard with food allergies as even kids with food allergies differ from the next kid as far as severity and their own personal limits as to what keeps them safe.  It is hard to address all of us in one pamphlet.  I do appreciate your support and the fact there is a pamphlet.  However, my biggest problem stems by how others perceive us and our kids.  We are often viewed as the trouble maker parent, the helicopter parent or the annoying parent of the kid with food allergies as we worry about our kids safety.  I guess that is why I feel it is important to not minimize food allergies at all when discussing how important it is to keep our kids safe.  I guess I would rather be more difficult than to lose my child or anyone elses, just to appease some inconvenienced parent out there that insists on a cupcake or m&m's in a math counting or sorting project.  We need to not over scare the public, but as a food allergy/asthma community a we need a little more....this is so serious...message would be nice too.  Maybe just maybe they would start having more special classrooms to accommodate all these kids too as some can be included safely and mainstreamed, but many others have to homeschool or private school to keep their kids safe.  We are the victims sorta as we go without the extra income and stuff as we do what we need to do to keep our kids safe without much support sometimes and usually with more criticism by others.  There are shadows for kids with autism in schools and all sorts of help for kids with real obvious disabilities, but very little help for these kids with multiple or severe food allergies with the double whammy that asthma presents.  We need to be a louder voice.  The gluten free community seems to get more support even from the local grocery stores.  Try finding a lot of foods that are dairy free ......it's hard.  However, everything is now reinvented for the gluten free.  Why don't we have this same support?  Just saying.  I am sorry if I sound so negative, but it is a hard road out there for the ones that have multiple allergies and cannot even do a food challenge yet as the numbers are still too high. 

FA
Last edited by Food Allergy Mom Cheryl

Okay, just read how I am taking up so much room on this comment forum.  I hope I helped, not trying to be a problem, but also frustrated at times.  I am done commenting and will just sit back now and learn from the rest of you.  Thanks, in advance, for supporting me and my frustrations and mostly for letting me vent even if I don't do it the best way. 

FA

Cheryl - don't feel bad about taking up comment space!  That's what it's for.....for everyone to be able to constructively voice their opinion to help and support others dealing w/ how to live w/ FA's. 

 

As you said, everyone's issues and restrictions are different, even kid to kid. There is no one size fits all and that makes it more difficult for those who need more stringent restrictions.  I'm watching my dd, who is a cabin leader for band camp, deal w/ some vaguely defined food allergy/intolerance issues for their cabin.  She's worried that some of the other cabin leaders are not going to take any FA's in their cabin seriously enough bc they just haven't lived it.  She sometimes feels like a killjoy when she points out that doing something will exclude someone or make a situation unsafe.  But she stands up for it anyway (and I couldn't be more proud!).

 

The key is education and that's what handouts like this are trying to do.  But there are limitations to what you can pack into a double sided handout.

Kathy P

Kathy,

Proud of your daughter.  Glad she is confident in herself enough to do that as well.  It's hard in the teenage years.  My son is not as confident and worries more about fitting in yet in his young teen years and why I am more worried about him.  They say it is those young teen years where they sometimes slip up with their safety as they let friends and fitting in, throw them off course sometimes with their safety. 

 

Yes, there is only so much to put into a 2 page hand-out.  Agreed.  The biggest problem is for the ones with the need for more restrictions....we almost need a severe food allergy/asthma 2 page hand-out extension.  I do agree though that if you try and tell people too much information....they just get overwhelmed and stare at you as if you have two heads.  : )  Have a great day....thanks for doing what you are doing.  My nerves have been rattled lately as we have had those teen growing pains going on in our house.  Teens go through a lot anyway and one with multiple food allergies is even harder.

 

 

FA

Oh, those middle school years are the hardest! My dd was steadily outgrowing her FA's before that, but then developed new ones during that time.

 

I encourage you to post over on the School Age Kids forum - there are many who have been through it/are going through it and can bounce ideas or frustrations.  It's hard!

Kathy P

Cheryl,

 

I know what you mean about wanting a handout to show people who doubt you that will get them to 'get it'.  

 

I wonder, what would you like to see in a handout that you haven't found here yet?

 

I have a child who is contact ingestion sensitive and had reactions to this type of exposure ranging from very minor to severe.  It has been difficult at times to get people to understand the risks of contact ingestion over the years and I collected things that talked about contact ingestion reactions to show the school.  Things that talked about this topic were pretty few and far between overall (not talking about here but in general from food allergy writers.)  

 

I like the KWFA materials and more and more have been produced over the years.  It is good to have feedback from people like you.  I hope things get easier for you.

L

Thank you, Lisa.  Yes, I only found this website a year or so ago.  If I had found it sooner, a lot of things would of been easier.  I used FAAN, which is now FARE.  There didn't seem to be a lot of sites where us moms could chat, share ideas etc.  I know I have sounded crabby and frustrated on this site, but everyone has been really nice and supportive back.  I just had so many people not get the contact sensitive part with my son when he was smaller and even now to some extent.  I know what you mean, there is not much information out there on that subject and has been a huge hurdle for us.  He once had a kid waive a slice of pizza in front of his face as he said to my son....you can't have a reaction unless you eat it.  My son's friend who "got it", jumped in and helped save the day.  This was at a swim meet.  Luckily, this boy who was a year older helped talk for my son as my son tried to inch away from the pizza slice coming near his face.  I think my son froze out of fear that no matter what he did....he might end up with pizza on his face.  I then thanked this kid like there was no tomorrow for his help and we had to tell the coaches that this needed to be addressed a little bit more.  No food near my son and no threatening.  This boy was quite bright and just analytically didn't think it was possible as he only knew about eating foods giving friends at school a reaction etc.  I was terribly scared, but it was not this boy's fault for not knowing more about food allergies.  I think often the adults think it is bad or even dangerous to the food allergy child to say too much to the other kids, but I guess I believe knowledge is power.  I do get the risk of mean ones wishing to bully maybe if you single out the food allergic child and I think the reason they don't share more with the other kids.  However, in this case....if this child had known the risk....he would not have intentionally harmed my child...I do not believe.  I think more discussion about contact sensitivity through the membranes as a way of ingesting is something that should be addressed more.  I have all sorts of experiences that I am rambling on about.  Thanks again for everyone's support.  I haven't felt this supportive in years.  Seriously!!!!

FA

I think what I am hearing here is that the hygiene theory statement in the handout is something that people without food allergies misunderstand, and therefore, it might be better to remove that from the handout altogether.

 

To clarify, it is a theory. It's not proven. And the theory relates to *developing* food allergies, not to outgrowing food allergies or managing food allergies. It has nothing to do with washing hands before or after eating to remove allergens.

 

I'm also sensing that you think that mentioning that the inclusion statement should be removed...not because it's wrong.  But because that concept can be polarizing to those who don't deal with food allergies. A good example is the way the media portrayed this headline.

 

So, I thank you for your comments. You are making good points. Let me see what I can do.

 

Lynda
Last edited by Kids With Food Allergies
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