Be sensitive to kids with allergies

This is a plea for thoughtfulness and consideration for anyone with allergies. At this time of year, children are most traumatically effected in new situations. There is embarrassment at being questioned by peers why they had to sit away from the rest, fear of getting sick if taunted by a classmate (i.e. anaphylactic shock) with whatever the allergen is.

So please consider a child's feelings when verbalizing the inconvenience of not having treats at school or a certain kind of sandwich for lunch. Remember your child is listening to you and internalizes your attitudes and repeats your comments. Is the minor inconvenience worth a child's life?

Your neighbor or friend may be a grownup who is also dealing with these issues.

Rest assured families are also dealing daily with related issues surrounding the allergy. They must always check for cross contamination, manufacturers changing procedures, shortages of epipens when multiples are needed costing hundreds of dollars each. At the same time, they are teaching the child to do the same.

Thanks for caring.

Martha Waller

Lake Zurich