In children aged seven and under especially, food allergies can cause confusion, fear, and stress for both parents and kids themselves. Dealing with these worries requires a whole bundle of patience and a bit of know-how to help everyone manage their anxiety in a healthy way.
Allergic reactions can be as simple as a rash, to something much more serious, like anaphylaxis. And for younger ones who are still figuring out the world around them, food allergies can understandably lead to emotional distress. Parents are often constantly on edge, worried about the possibility of an accidental exposure to allergens. But with the right strategies, it’s possible to help children handle allergy-related anxiety and give them a real sense of security.
Coming to terms with allergy
Under sevens might not fully grasp why some foods are dangerous, so
it’s hardly surprising that they feel confused or anxious where food is
involved.
They can also feel left out when they see others munching on foods
they can’t have. This can create feelings of isolation, especially when
they’re starting to understand that they’re different. Add to that, it’s
common for young ones to feel scared about what would happen if they
accidentally ate something that set off an allergic reaction.
Parents are often on high alert, worried about their child’s safety
in public places, at daycare or at social events. That constant worry
can easily become too much and sometimes parents can unknowingly pass
their own anxiety to their child.
Emotional impact
Food allergies can spark a range of emotions in those under seven, such as:
• Fear of reactions: Little ones probably won’t understand why some
foods are dangerous, but they know that bad things could happen if they
eat the wrong thing.
• Confusion: Since food allergies mess with the body’s reactions to
certain foods, young ones may not fully understand why they can’t eat
what everyone else is eating.
• Exclusion or embarrassment: When children are at parties, school or
family gatherings, they can feel left out because they can’t enjoy the
same foods as everyone else. This might make them feel embarrassed,
especially when they begin to realise they’re different.
• Over-protectiveness: Some might feel frustrated if their parents
are too cautious or protective about their allergies, which can increase
their anxiety.
The good news is that much can be done to help little ones deal with
these feelings and give them the confidence to manage their allergies
without getting overwhelmed.
TOP TIPS FOR ALLERGY MANAGEMENT
1. Educate and empower kids
One of the best ways to help children deal with allergy-related
anxiety is to explain their allergies in a way they can understand.
Those as young as three or four are ready to learn about their
allergies, and by the time they’re seven, they’ll be looking for a
deeper dive into the details.
Keep it simple and clear. Instead of saying: ‘This food can make you
very sick’, try: ‘Your body doesn’t like certain foods, and if you eat
them you might feel sick or get a rash.’ This way, they’ll understand
it’s not about being ‘bad’ or ‘broken’, it’s just their body being
sensitive to certain foods.
You can also involve them in identifying safe foods, such as reading
labels together when shopping. Make it a game where they can choose
which foods they like, with gentle guidance from you, then check whether
the label says it’s good. The more involved they are in understanding
what they can and can’t eat, the more confident and less anxious they’ll
feel about managing their allergy.
2. Praise the little wins
Whenever children make a good decision about their allergies –
whether it’s asking about ingredients or remembering to use their
epinephrine auto-injector – give them plenty of positive reinforcement.
This helps build their confidence and shows them that managing allergies
is a normal part of life. It also helps them feel more in control,
which can reduce their anxiety over time.
3. Create a routine
Kids love routines, and having a predictable plan in place can really
help reduce anxiety. Create some clear routines around food safety,
such as:
• Packing safe snacks: Always take allergy-safe snacks with you when
you go out for a social event or a day at school. This gives your child
confidence they’ve got something safe to eat and won’t feel left out.
• Safety checks: Create clear action plans at daycare or school in
case of an allergic reaction. Teach children what to do if they’re
unsure about food or ingredients, so they’ll know exactly what steps to
take. Again, repetition and role play create confidence.
• Consistent routines: Make it a habit for your child to check labels
or ask for help with food choices. The more they practice these
routines, the more second nature it will become.
4. Stay calm and reassuring
Children are like sponges – they soak up emotional cues from their
parents. If parents are visibly anxious, children might start to feel
like there’s something to fear. But if everyone is calm and confident,
it can reassure young ones that all is well with the right precautions
in place.
When children ask about their allergies at a social event, explain
the plan calmly and confidently. Let them know that you’ve taken all the
necessary precautions and that everything is under control. This will
help them feel more secure.
5. Encourage socialisation and inclusion
No one likes to feel left out, and this is especially true for those
with food allergies. Help your child feel included by bringing
allergy-friendly snacks or even making allergy-safe versions of treats
for birthday parties or family gatherings.
It’s a good idea to teach children how to ask about ingredients in
food and encourage them to speak up if they’re ever unsure about
something. This way, they won’t feel embarrassed, and they’ll be more
confident navigating social situations.
6. Don’t ignore your own anxiety
Parental anxiety can really rub off on children. So, it’s important
for you to take care of your own mental health. Relaxation techniques,
support groups or talking to a professional can be helpful in managing
your own anxiety. When you can manage your stress and stay calm, your
child will be more likely to feel at ease.
Managing food allergy-related anxiety can be tough for the whole
family, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
By showing your child, creating routines, offering positive
reinforcement, staying calm and helping them feel included in social
situations, you can reduce their anxiety while empowering them to take
control of their safety. With these strategies in place, your child will
be able to live confidently with food allergies and focus more on
enjoying life rather than worrying about potential reactions.
Davina Steel has worked as a research scientist, a managing editor of
a biotechnology journal and as a science ‘guru’ for children’s
magazines and websites. After developing severe gluten intolerance
following cancer treatment, Davina developed award-winning gluten-free
breads. Her best-selling book, Have You Ever Seen a Bee with Hives?
explores all you need to know about food allergies and how to deal with
them and is available at Amazon, price £12.95.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk
