How do you handle going to friends houses ?

Hi sjmaw! I've known that my 8 yr old son is PA for 6 years and no matter where he goes or who he visits, I always pack him a lunch. If he goes to a party, I always bring a dessert for him and always stay at the party with him. I have talked to Dr.'s who emphasize the importance of trying to make our kids feel as normal as possible and not to limit their visits with friends. My son thank God has never had a reaction at anyones home since I supply his food. They are also aware of his PA and are actually relieved when I bring his own food since they don't have to worry about what to give him. Of course they don't eat peanut butter when he's there. My son has been reaction free for 4 years and he is not limited in anything he does. Just a little planning ahead on our part can make everyones life a little more worry free. Good luck and God Bless!

Susan-I am fortunate to have close friends in my neighborhood. There are a few that are very aware of my sons allergy and I feel comfortable having him play at thier houses. He is only three now so it is easy to keep him close by and he is happy with the few friends he plays with.
I also always bring him something safe to eat if the playtime involves food. For birthday parties I try to have homemade cupcakes made and frozen ahead of time to bring. So far he hasn't had any major reactions, since we found out about his peanut and egg allergies.
Jessica

My son is 10, and at some point years ago I just realized that the socializing just has to happen under my own roof. The only place he has been without me around is my mom's and we have one friend with peanut allergies. Fortunately his "best friend" is his 9 year old brother. Years ago when I tried to have play dates there were too many close calls and well meaning, but uninformed people who tried to feed him. Now we do alot of outside, neighborhood play (luckily we are in So. Cal. so the weather permits), but he still doesn't go to peoples houses without me. The stakes are too high, and I have worked too hard to make it these 10 years!!!
Take care..
Head Cook

I have always had an issue with this, but now have it under control. My son is three and we get together with friends, and always bring our own food to their house and to birthday parties. I am fortuneate to have wonderful friends; some will remember to ask what he can have in advance, but I often run into situations where people do not think to ask or serve things that he can't have. I always tell myself, that if is not your child, it just doesn't cross your mind if its not part of your everyday life. I am always thinking about PA since it affects my family, therfore I bring a traveling snack bag wherever I go, and always check party favors before giving to my son!

I have the three daughters 9 1/2 nonPA, 5 1/2 PA and 2 yearold nonPA. To make my life easier, I allow them all to have friends over here. They dont' go to anyone's house without me. Since we have lived here for 2 years I don't feel safe with anyone. The girls best friends dog attacked my oldest when we first moved down here. So now I just make the kids play here. Then I know they are safe.