Back to School Advice for Parents of Children with Food Allergies

There is more to worry about sending kids back to school in 2020 than ever before. Parents of children with food allergies might feel overwhelmed by how to protect their children. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group we can help you come up with a plan to keep your child safe based on the specific food(s) they are allergic to and the severity of their reactions. Read on to for advice and feel free to contact us at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 if you would like to discuss your options.

Talk to School Administrators

It is important that you let the essential people at your child’s school know about their allergy. This includes your child’s teacher, principal, lunch personnel, playground supervisors, P.E. teacher, and the school nurse. They should be clear on the allergy and on the correct medical procedure to handle any type of allergic reaction that might occur.

Buy Your Child a Food Allergy Bracelet

No matter how sure you are to tell everyone at your child’s school just how serious their allergy is, you never know when an issue could strike. Your child might have a substitute teacher for the day, or a nurse that works at three schools might not remember the protocol when it counts. This is why we suggest buying a food allergy bracelet. If your child then does go into anaphylaxis, the medical professional would become aware.

Make Sure Your Child Knows What to Do

Having age-appropriate conversations with your child could be the thing that ends up saving their life. If you talk to them before they start kindergarten, do not assume that you never have to talk to them about it again. You should be having the same talk year after year, adding more information as it becomes relevant and as your child’s understanding improves. Teach them how to read food labels and talk to them about potentially hidden allergies.

Send Your Child’s Lunch and Snacks to School

The truth is that no matter what the school might say, you cannot be 100% positive that the food served as school will be safe. It is better to err on the side of caution and bring in foods and snacks for your child. This prevents them from accidentally eating something they shouldn’t and sets the tone that they should be getting safe foods from home.

If you have questions about how to get your particular child safe for school, we recommend you have them visit an allergist and immunologist. You can contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group now at 805-658-9500 to begin the process.