We just found out our son (will be 2 in Oct.) is allergic to peanuts. Aside from reading every label possible, carrying Benadryl and Epi Pens and laying awake at night worrying, I'm thinking about all the ways this will change his life. I feel he will miss out on so much already when he can't eat what his friends will be able to eat. So it started me thinking what about family get togethers?
Our close relatives (both sets of grandparents and his aunts/uncles) are now being very cautious about what they feed him. They are not really my concern as they're already reading every label. But what about Thanksgiving with the rest of the family? What about weddings or the food served after funerals? What about church functions? It isn't a problem now with his being so young. I can just pack something safe for him. But when he's older how do we handle these kind of events? Even green beans could have been cross contaminated with peanuts so I feel nothing is safe! Any suggestions?
I don't want or expect everyone else to change everything based on our allergy issue. But how do I let him live a little and eat the foods while still being cautious and not drilling whoever cooked the food about what each ingredient contains?
I find that birthday parties are the hardest for me! My son will be 2 in March and I now go out and buy the stuff to make cupcakes for him and occasionally bring ice cream too...I want him to be able to have somethings so you just have to make sure you know what is in them! It makes me feel crazy sometime, but at least he gets to have cake and ice cream like the other kids!
On another note, be glad that your immediate family is cautious! Some of mine are, but we are having serious problems with others! Its almost to the point that I quit letting my baby visit without me!
Good luck and hang in there!