What Kids With Food Allergies Wish You Knew

Food allergies are serious. Even older children with the best knowledge of how to protect themselves can make a mistake accidentally.

When my son was an infant he had a milk protein allergy which caused him to be unable to drink normal formula and while I was nursing, prevented me having having any milk what-so-ever.

(Psst…. If you have that same allergy I have a delicious milk protein allergy milkshake recipe!)

So anytime we have a friend over, take a buddy with us to the park, or offer to share a snack, we ask the child every single time: Do you have any allergies?

More specifically, anytime we have something with nuts I ask if they have a nut allergy. Kids with food allergies often can’t explain to you what they need you to know.

Here’s what kids with food allergies wish you knew:

Just because I look and act “normal” doesn’t mean I don’t have an allergy.

I don’t want to be treated differently.

My allergy is not picky eating.

The simple act of me eating the wrong thing could kill me.

There are so many food allergies; it isn’t just peanuts.

I don’t always know if I’m about to eat something with my allergen in it.

It is so helpful to me when you look out for me and what I’m eating.

You should learn about food allergies even if your own kids don’t have them.

Sometimes I say no to your food because I’m scared it will hurt me.

If I complain about the way my mouth or tongue feel after eating, call 911.

If I appear to have trouble breathing, call 911.

I don’t want to be seen as “frustrating”.

I want to eat snacks and treats too.

I just want to be safe.

For more information about how to best help those with food allergies, check out KidsWithFoodAllergies.org