Children’s health: How to manage your child’s food allergy this holiday season

As you celebrate this season, food is likely a major component of your gatherings. Between holiday parties and school festivities, food and treats are all around, which can be extremely difficult for parents of children with food allergies to navigate.

Here are my top tips to help manage food allergies while you and your family enjoy every function that fills your calendar this season.

Teach your child to recognize and understand their allergens using age-appropriate language. For young children, this might mean explaining to them that a certain food can make them sick. When you’re at the grocery store or other places where the allergen may be present, point it out to them to help them begin to identify and make that connection.

Because it can be difficult for children and adolescents to spot certain allergies, especially when they are cooked and baked into foods, teach them not to accept food from anyone besides a trusted adult who is very familiar with the child’s allergy. Make sure your child’s epinephrine device is always accessible. Adults caring for your child should know where it is and how to use it.

In addition to having partnered with your child’s school at the beginning of the year to develop a personalized Allergy Action Plan, feel free to revisit the conversation with their teacher as holiday celebrations approach. You can discuss what, if any, foods or treats will be served at school parties, as well as ways your child can remain involved in celebrations.

If you are feeling especially stressed about allergies being present at school functions, volunteer to help at the event or get involved in the preparations, including choosing what treats or nonfood items will be enjoyed at school.

Remind friends and family members about your child’s allergy so they can make the appropriate accommodations at parties. Consider asking them what is planned for the menu and offer to bring an allergen-free dish for everyone to enjoy.

If it makes you more comfortable, consider hosting gatherings yourself. This way, you know exactly what ingredients are in every dish and can have more confidence that your child will not be exposed to an allergen. You can also start holiday traditions that aren’t centered around food and eating, such as going on winter hikes or participating in other physical activities.

Talk with your child about their food allergies regularly as they grow and gain more independence. Make sure they know they will not be left out of celebrations because of their allergies. By helping your child understand their allergens and providing them the skills they need to safely avoid them, you’re setting them up to confidently and successfully navigate the world, food allergies and all.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Advocate Children’s Hospital.