It's every parent's nightmare: Your family doctor has informed you that you have allergic children. It isn't uncommon, and many families have been where you are. The important thing is not to panic, and not to overreact. What you need to do is take a deep breath, calm down, and think rationally. Roughly 5% of children will be diagnosed with food allergies, and of these, some will outgrow their allergies by the time they enter school. But, until then, there are steps you can take to protect your child.
The first thing a parent of allergic children needs to do is to take a look at their kitchen. Any food that your child may be allergic to must be removed, especially if your child has a severe reaction - such as children who are allergic to peanuts. Even if there are no peanuts in the house, you should take a look at the ingredients in cereal, cake and bread mixes, and snack foods to make certain no peanut oil is an ingredient. While it will make going to the store last a little longer, it's not much of a sacrifice to protect your allergic children.
Make certain your child's teacher or daycare is aware of their allergies. Many schools are aware of the dangers faced by allergic children, and will already know what steps to take. But for babysitters, family members and even family friends who may unknowingly bring food into the house, make certain they know what your child can and cannot eat. Take the time to set out a plan of action in case your child is accidentally exposed, and keep a copy of that plan posted on the fridge or somewhere easy to find. Keep a pre-measured dose of Benadryl or an Epi-pen nearby to make it easy to find in case you or your child's caretaker has need of it.
Another way to help keep your Allergic Children safe is to create a network of people who will help prevent any exposure. This network will usually include anyone that takes care of your children on a regular basis, such as teachers, doctors, babysitters, and family. Even your children have to help prevent allergic reactions, assuming they are old enough of course. If you are traveling or going out to eat, the restaurants or hotels can be added to your network temporarily. Often times, they will go that extra mile to make sure your family's stay is fun for everyone.
The first thing a parent of allergic children needs to do is to take a look at their kitchen. Any food that your child may be allergic to must be removed, especially if your child has a severe reaction - such as children who are allergic to peanuts. Even if there are no peanuts in the house, you should take a look at the ingredients in cereal, cake and bread mixes, and snack foods to make certain no peanut oil is an ingredient. While it will make going to the store last a little longer, it's not much of a sacrifice to protect your allergic children.
Make certain your child's teacher or daycare is aware of their allergies. Many schools are aware of the dangers faced by allergic children, and will already know what steps to take. But for babysitters, family members and even family friends who may unknowingly bring food into the house, make certain they know what your child can and cannot eat. Take the time to set out a plan of action in case your child is accidentally exposed, and keep a copy of that plan posted on the fridge or somewhere easy to find. Keep a pre-measured dose of Benadryl or an Epi-pen nearby to make it easy to find in case you or your child's caretaker has need of it.
Another way to help keep your Allergic Children safe is to create a network of people who will help prevent any exposure. This network will usually include anyone that takes care of your children on a regular basis, such as teachers, doctors, babysitters, and family. Even your children have to help prevent allergic reactions, assuming they are old enough of course. If you are traveling or going out to eat, the restaurants or hotels can be added to your network temporarily. Often times, they will go that extra mile to make sure your family's stay is fun for everyone.
About the Author:
Allergic children should be attended immediately. If you are a parent of one, make sure you know the common allergies symptoms and treatments.
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