Everyone loves Super Nanny Jo Frost and America is just eating her up! In addition to dishing out parenting advice, Jo also lives with multiple life threatening food allergies, environmental allergies and asthma. Here she shares some tips for getting through the Holiday Season. For my family, vacation begins today and I needed the reminder of reviewing the rules. My kids are thrilled to be sleeping in late, hanging out with friends and celebrating. BUT…this is exactly when things go wrong: when our routine changes. Therefore, pausing for a quick regroup is solid prudent planning!
Super Nanny Jo’s Food Allergy Holiday Tips…
Educate your child and their friends before the holiday season: Head to www.25YearsofEpiPen.com to read misperceptions about living with severe allergies and the importance of having an anaphylaxis action plan that includes knowing and avoiding known allergens, recognizing signs and symptoms, having access to two EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors at all times and seeking immediate emergency medical care should anaphylaxis occur.
RSVP – ASAP: Be a great guest by contacting your host as soon as your invitation arrives. Start by communicating gently and by educating others; remember, your host is hoping to plan the “perfect” holiday party or meal.
Review the rules: Go over “the rules” for parties with your kids in advance so that the most important safety rules, such as not eating a food unless he or she knows the ingredients, will be fresh in their minds when they arrive.
Help with the preparations: Offer to bring food that you know your child can eat so your host doesn’t have to worry about separate food preparations. Share dishes that are allergy friendly.
Ship ahead: If you’re flying to visit friends or family, you may want to make some simple allergy-free foods that travel well and ship them to your host ahead of time.
Tag-team parenting: If your family is invited to a party, plan ahead with your spouse to divide the task of supervising your young child. With designated “on duty” times, your child will be supervised, and each parent will have time to socialize. This keeps little hands away from allergens that may be out (such as a bowl of chocolates or nuts).
Carry medications. Per the NIAID food allergy guidelines, always have immediate access to two doses of epinephrine just in case unrecognized food allergens are hiding in holiday treats.
Note: the last eight tips were originated by the Food Allergy Research and Education group and Super Nanny Jo is reminding us to consider these tips!
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..