Food allergies

[KLLee]

Who else deals with this? My daughter has allergies, and we had an issue this morning. (Minor issue, resolved now) it's so heavy on my mind today.

A new-to-us teacher at the day care gave her some "regular" milk, while I was off getting her "Kaydee safe" milk. She had already had a few bites by the time I realized, and I had a minor mom-meltdown (similar to the toddler meltdowns, where you can make a mountain out of a mole hill). I (nicely as I could) explained the situation, and told the teacher to keep an eye on her for any signs of reactions.

But in case any of you are planning to attend any type of food gathering for any upcoming holidays, and deal with this situation, what types of things do you do to prepare yourself or your kids?

 

[emily.stitches.33]

My 3 year old toddler has tree nut allergies, and the last time we had an issue was over Thanksgiving last year. I don't handle this well, at all. I am pretty strict with him to begin with since he has other digestive issues, so while we are visiting grandparents and what not, I will just review his meals before they even get to him. He knows what he is allergic to, and knows that he should not have them, but he wouldn't know what they are by sight. Then, once we get home, I just make sure the Party Mix / Chex Mix and baked goods are out of his reach, that way it he doesn't know it is an option, and he won't know to miss it. And, plus, I usually have a stash of "tater-tot"-safe sweets to get his attention in case of meltdowns.

 

[KLLee]

My daughter is allergic to dairy, eggs, and peanuts. she doesn't really know what she's missing, because we've avoided all of this for almost her entire life at this point (she's 3.5 now). It's the people who do not deal with allergies at all that do not even think about it. It's such a struggle! We are hosting Thanksgiving, and I'm trying to coordinate the pot luck, and it's one more thing I have to accommodate for! If so and so is bringing turkey, are they making it Kaydee safe? or do I need to provide her a safe alternative? and then, they tell me it's safe, but then don't realize that the stuffing they put in there had butter - which they didn't REALIZE was dairy. It is so hard to coordinate things in this way. haha

*sigh*

 

[emily.stitches.33]

Oh, I bet....I couldn't imagine having to deal with it on another level than what I do (for which I'm thankful), but I (for my own sanity) have just come to the determination that I am in charge of what he eats / does, until he gets more of a grasp and understand of the severity of the allergy, it is my responsibility to take care of him. I have definitely unintentionally offended my in-laws in certain situations, but it makes it easier for me, and I can handle that. Hopefully it won't be miserable for you, and a non-issue as well.

 

[LittleFeetDigitalDesigns]

BIG HUGS to you both!!!! As Mom's we sooooooo worry, stress and have melt downs about our children!!!! And even though my son is now 21... I STILL worry about him!! When I was in the hospital having Ryan... the night before he was born, the nurse said to me "Sleep well my dear, as this will be the last good night sleep you will ever have"... man, was she right!!!!

 

[KLLee]

LOL! well, actually, the last night of really good sleep you'll ever have, is before you even know you're pregnant, the very first time. If you ask me, anyway. hahahaha

 

[LittleFeetDigitalDesigns]

HEH HEH!!!!!!!! YOU are soooooo VERY right about that!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!

 

[emily.stitches.33]

I agree...it's amazing how tired / yet fully functional I can be some days...and some days...completely non-functional I can be all due to sleep deprivation!

 

[jenyurko]

Me and mine don't have any allergies, but I wanted to say good luck in dealing with it, especially this weekend! WOW. I discovered early last year that my Dad is allergic to mushrooms, after suggesting dinner ideas to my Mom one night. And then last summer I made a dish with mushrooms in it for dinner while my brother was visiting and he picked all the mushrooms out. One of the kids said something (because they've been taught to always clean their plates!) and he said he was allergic too.

It didn't even dawn on me to think he could be, or even ask him. I felt SO bad. I couldn't imagine dealing with that kind of thing on a daily basis, so props to you ladies who do. Honestly, having a melt-down about it is completely valid, imho... this is your child's life you're talking about here!

 

[emily.stitches.33]

It can be hard, but if you know what you are doing, and know what to look for that helps. It is hard when other people are cooking, because, naturally, they will forget. I don't mind inserting myself, since I am responsible for my kids. I learned that I also always have to remind the extended family too, if they are with him. We were at a family reunion in the summer, and my mother-in-law had dished him up a dessert item. I was busy with the baby, but as soon as I got back to the table I took his plate away, she had accidentally given him a dessert that had crushed walnuts in it....I call that a close one.

 

[KLLee]

(Untitled)

In case anyone was wondering, we had no issues.

 

[emily.stitches.33]

Good! We didn't either!