As the parent of a child with a food allergy, ensuring their safety and well-being will be one of your top priorities. Today, innovative food allergy treatments are proving highly effective in managing symptoms and preventing anaphylaxis. However, educating your child about their food allergy and how to stay safe and healthy is still very important. Let’s explore how Atlanta parents can teach their kids about food allergies.
Tips for Teaching a Child About Food Allergies
Children develop food allergies at all ages, from infancy to the teenage years. As your child grows, teaching them about food allergies is an important way to help prevent severe allergic reactions.
Use Straightforward Language
Younger children may struggle to understand the concept of an allergic reaction, but you can simplify the language to make it more clear. Explain to your child that some foods will make them sick, while others are safe to eat.
Show Images of Foods
To further clarify the concept of safe and unsafe foods, show your child images of foods they can eat, and images of foods they should avoid. Use pictures you find online or take a snapshot of the item, draw or sketch the item(s), or show the actual items (if they’re in your home).
Practice Real-World Scenarios
Children can “rehearse” and benefit from role-playing on how to respond to questions about their allergies, or offers of potentially harmful foods. Practicing simple methods of communication will help them feel more confident in a real-life situation. For other helpful ideas, you can also read our back to school tips for kids with food allergies.
Read Food Labels With Your Child
Food labels include information about common allergens such as peanuts, milk, eggs, fish and wheat. Gathering a collection of items and having your child find this information is a hands-on way to teach this crucial skill.
Discuss Hygiene Steps
Allergic reactions don’t always involve direct consumption of the food. Exposure through touching ingredients directly or experiencing cross-contamination (via food preparation) can also be potential triggers. By discussing and practicing hygiene steps such as washing hands and cleaning utensils, you can help keep your child safe.
Use Praise and Encouragement
Praising your child for remembering allergy rules and avoiding allergen exposure is essential for promoting healthy behaviors. Living with a food allergy can certainly be frustrating, which is why encouragement is so important for maintaining discipline.
Give Guidance on Food Allergy Medication
Discussing medication is also vital for food allergy management. If your child needs to carry an epinephrine auto-injector, make sure to refresh their memory on the administration process. You can also explain the benefits of oral immunotherapy treatment if they will be (or are already) getting this treatment.
Trusted Food Allergy Treatment for Children in Atlanta
If your child has any of the common symptoms of a food allergy, visit us for reliable testing and treatment services. Our food allergy centers are located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
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