anyone with kids with allergies

[guccichic]

Hi I have been on for a couple of weeks but never posted my own, I comment but never posted anyway.  I have a son that is  3 1/2 years old and that is allergic to Peanuts and Shellfish.  I am finding myself full of anxiety.  Right now he is in Preschool and the teacher shows me ever snack that he eats, but what happens when he is Kindengarden and there are no rules for kids with allergies.  I have tried to find support groups but have not found any.  I would love to speak with any moms that have children with allergies and tell me how you deal.  I started a group here in hopes that I can find other moms in the same boat.

http://www.cafemom.com/group/kidallergies

 

[allisonsmommy]

Feb. 7, 2007 at 2:48 PM I watch a little boy who is now 8 years old.  He has severe food allergies...to wheat,four,peanuts,shellfish,egss,dairy...When he started school his mom had a meeting with the princible....and whoeever else.  She educated all of them on his allergies.  notes were sent home and there are no peanuts/shellfish that is allowed in his class, and also all the main rooms (library,gym etc) are peanut free...and he has a special peanut free table in the lunchroom. Just call and talk to the school your child will be attedning...chances are they are already dealing wit hthis!  good luck

[ftmomx5]

Apr. 19, 2007 at 2:41 PM My daughter is 10, has a life threatening peanut/tree nut allergy, also has asthma.  She is in 4th grade now, and has been in 3 schools, which each of them have accomodated her "special need"! They have no choice! Your child is their responsibility while in their care and if they won't, you get a 504 plan...because it is a special need! My dd's classroom is peanut free, nothing containing peanuts is allowed in it! The kids snacks are checked everyday by the teacher.  She has a peanut free table for lunch which is cleaned before she sits and after she eats, EVERYDAY, with it's own, fresh soap and water, towels, etc... She is allowed to choose 2-3 kids to sit with her from her class, who haven't brought anything with peanuts in their lunches, which are checked when they go in the lunchroom. I also have meetings with the principal, teacher, nurse, anyone else who will come in contact with my dd to educate them on procedure, allergies, and answer their questions. Unfortunately, they don't ask enough questions and we have had one too many problems this year, more than I have had in the 5 years she's been in school...thankfully she hasn't had a reaction in 7 plus years!!! When you register your son for kdg, tell them about his allergies and make sure to get any needed forms from the school nurse, you can do this even with preschool. See your allergist and have them fill out their portion, an allergy action plan, etc...You can also get the action plan off FAAN's website.  Hope this helps! It is overwhelming and scary, but know YOU are your childs ONLY advocate and YOU can do it!! Educate yourself, your child, family, school...anyone who comes in contact with you, it's your best defense!!

[sungreen13]

Jun. 23, 2007 at 6:22 PM

The best thing you can do is teach your child that they must NEVER trade food, and MUST ALWAYS ask a teacher/parent/grown up~whom ever is in charge~before they eat anything.

Our daughter is turning 7 and until she started kindergarden she was never without us. We were always with her, and did not have that constant worry. Now starting 2nd grade this fall, and growing up. I am filled with constant fear when she is without me. We have been lucky. No major allergic reactions. One ambulance trip to the hospital just to be safe. We carry epi-pens wherever we go. I send her with her purse when she is not with me. It has an epi-pen (she knows how to use it), benedryl incase of minor reations or to take before going out to eat (that was at the recommendation of her allergist. Just incase she eats something she is allergic to, the benedryl will already be in her system), a phone~firefly childrens phone, she cannot make any calls except push the "mom" button to call me, the "dad" button for dad and an emergency 911 button. People think we are crazy for getting a phone for our 6 year old but they have no idea. She only takes it when she is going anywhere without us. If something happens, we are one push of a button away. She also wears a medical bracelet stating alleriges and what to do incase of emergency. Unfortunately the major, life threatening allergies are the ones they will probably never out grow. 

Don't assume that everyone understands allergies because they dont unless they suffer themselves or have children that do. We work in restaurants, and believe me just telling your server about allergies is not ALWAYS enough. The cooks forget that they just used the same tongs for shrimp that they are now using for your childs french fries. It happens!! It is scary, and will always be.

Some reactions are going to happen.

Do your best to learn as much as you can and BE PREPARED!! :)