Children's Party
For The Allergic Child

Has your food allergic child been invited to a friend's party? Any children's party for the allergic child is a stressful event for the parents. The loss or lack of control a parent has after a child arrives at a party is one of the most worrisome events a parent must ever suffer through.

Why Is It Important For Your Child To Participate

• gain self-confidence

• nurture a sense of independence

• builds social skills

• exercise

• opportunity for relaxation and fun with the peers

Although all of these is what every parent wishes for their child, setting up a plan of action in advance with the hostess will help insure a good time is had by all in attendance.

Tips To Make The Event Safe For Your Child

• Call the host/hostess in advance and explain the situation and limitations of your child

• Offer to help with the menu if food is to be served. If this is not possible, explain you will send along treats and snacks for your child so when food is to be served, he will not be left out.

• Make extra treats for your child to share with his friends.

• Explain you would be happy to help chaperone for the day if she needs help. Ask for a job or some kind of duties though so your child does not feel like you are there to spy on him.

• If you can't be there, explain thoroughly the principle of cross contamination and why this is so important.

• Be sure your child has proper identification on in case of an accidental allergic reaction. Precious minutes can be saved at the hospital emergency room if they know immediately what they are dealing with.

  

• Be sure the hostess is familiar with your child's medication and when and how to use them. Also include an Allergy Bag to send along. This can include essentials such as contact information, names and phone numbers, medications, kleenex, drops, either eye or nose drops, etc.. Instruct your child to give this to the hostess upon arrival.

• Start a buddy system with your child's best friend. Invite the friend to learn all they can understand about your child's allergy. Help them to be your child's second pair of eyes and ears. Cover the food that must be avoided, some of the words to ask, and how and where to go get help if it is needed. Most kids would jump at the chance to be able to help keep their friend safe.

Although a children's party for the allergic child does bring up opportunities for an "accident to happen", with some careful planning, education for the caregivers which will be handling the event and some quiet planning time with your child, it is possible for both you and your child to enjoy a happy but safe day.

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