If you are a parent of a child with food allergies you know that many holidays, even Valentine’s Day, can deliver some extra stress. Even though Valentine’s Day is not just about chocolate and cake, your child will undoubtedly face those potentially allergenic treats when outside the home. Here are some tips for having an allergen free Valentine’s Day.
- Safety first: You should instruct your child to bring home any treats they receive while at school, daycare, or a party so that you can sift through to find allergy free treats and be sure to get rid of any potential allergens.
- Educate your Educators: If your child is in school or daycare and has a life-threatening allergy make sure to let the school know ahead of time so that other kids can possibly avoid bringing allergenic foods. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network has some helpful tips.
- Send them with a treat they can eat: Make sure to send your child with something they can eat during a party so they don’t feel left out. Try baking your own allergen free goodie or research some allergen free candies.
- Think outside the chocolate box: No food, no allergens so get creative with non-food treats like homemade crafts or cards.
- Host a party: If it is just too nerve wracking to send your child over to a friend’s house for a Valentine’s Day party, consider having a few kids over to your house so that you can control what it served. It doesn’t have to be fancy; you can create your own allergen free treats together or have everyone create a fun craft which is win-win for everyone.
- Remember the love: Sure, many holidays get over commercialized but remember what Valentine’s Day is all about – an excuse to show the people you love how much you love them; which can’t be measured by a box of candy.
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