How to Deal with Other Parents or Caregivers Who Aren’t Understanding of Your Child’s Allergy

When a child is diagnosed with a food allergy, it can be very important to help friends, family, teachers and caregivers understand what you are worried about.

Your problems may seem unique to you and your family, but they are not, more and more children are being diagnosed with food allergies every day.

Why is food allergy awareness so low among the public?

Lack of public awareness about food allergies among children and the seriousness of such allergies can force parents to limit their child’s social activities. Lack of awareness can not only limit a child’s social life, but it can also make it hard to know who you can trust with your child. Public awareness could be so low because unless parents have a child with food allergies, they might not pay much attention to the issue.

How is lack of public awareness dangerous for children with food allergies?

Play dates, birthday parties, family and school gatherings can all become potentially hazardous if a parent is not there to monitor a child. As the parent of a child with food allergies, any time there is food present; you must be diligent and watchful to prevent your child from eating something they should not have. If your family and friends are not aware of your child’s allergy, it could prove to be a disastrous situation.

How can you help others to understand your child’s food allergy?

You can help others to better understand your child’s food allergy through open and honest communication. By explaining the dangers and concerns of your child’s food allergy, you can help others to better understand your fears. You could suggest parents of other children and family members ask you questions about your child’s allergy, which would provide you with an excellent opportunity to educate others.

Is it normal to be an overly protective parent because your child has a food allergy?

Constantly worrying about a child’s food allergy can leave a parent feeling a looming sense of doom and severe anxiety. Some parents become so stressed out about protecting a child with food allergies it happens at the expense of their other children. The effect of excessive stress on the family of a child with allergies is quite profound and it can lead to a worry filled environment which nobody will enjoy.

How can you cope with your child’s food allergy?

There are things a parent can do to avoid falling into the anxiety trap. First of all, remember that educating yourself and others is extremely important. By helping others to understand what your child is going through, you reduce the risk of a dangerous reaction and that can help to put your mind at ease. Additionally, you can communicate your child’s needs to teachers, neighbors, relatives and others who will be a part of his or her everyday life so that everyone is on the same page.