Kids With Food Allergies: 7 Tips to Keep Them Safe at School by Leila Ward

Every fall, without fail, I become terrified of sending my sweet boy to school. My son has food allergies and sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night covered in a cold, anxiety-induced sweat. After two years of preschool, kindergarten and first grade, it doesn't get any easier. I know I am not alone. Here are some tips that have helped me over the years. Hopefully they will help you and your child ease into the upcoming school year: 

• Meet with your child's principal over the summer and discuss ways the school keeps children with allergies safe.

• Get all paperwork filled out by your child's doctor/allergist before school starts.

• Drop off paperwork and prescriptions the week before school begins.

• Meet with the school nurse to learn about emergency procedures.

• Make an appointment with the cafeteria manager and let him or her show you how the staff keeps children safe during lunch.

• Talk to your child's teacher to discuss classroom management of food allergies.

• Teach and encourage your child to understand his or her allergies and how to manage them.

Good luck, parents! You are not alone.

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