Valentine’s Day is approaching, a nationally recognized opportunity to show your love to the people around you. Kids at school exchange candies and cards with their peers, and for them it is a super fun day! Don’t forget to remember those who need allergy-friendly options this Valentine’s Day!
What if Your Child has Food Allergies?
Many children can be allergic to different kinds of food, with varying degrees of allergies and some can even be life-threatening. For those kids like mine, Valentine’s Day doesn’t conjure up the same warm, fuzzy, happy feelings. Instead, puts my children in a sense of worry and fear. They can even sometimes feel left out.
This is the reason why I am writing. As Moms, we do not have to feel worried! I think it is more important to be always prepared. This has been one hard lesson that I have learned having a kid with a chronic condition.
One important thing is to make sure your child is fully aware of their allergies and help them to create a plan to safely participate in Valentine’s Day celebrations. It is necessary to reinforce with your child that it is ok to decline any potentially unsafe treats that someone may offer to them.
Even though your little one may not be able to have everything they will be offered, this is not a reason to not enjoy their Valentine’s Day celebrations at school.
Tips to make your Child’s Allergy-Friendly Valentine’s Day at school the best of all!
1. Keep the teacher informed. Send a friendly reminder to your kid’s teacher about their allergies and encourage a safe and inclusive celebration. You can suggest some candies and brands that are safe for your child. (Check out the ideas at the bottom).
2. Offer your help to volunteer. If it is possible, offer to help the teacher plan the party. Go to the classroom to set things up and join in the fun.
3. Be the sweets provider. Send a yummy and safe snack that all students can enjoy.
4. Chat with your kid. Tell your child about the upcoming party and set up a rule about eating the candies they will get from their friends. for example, encourage them not to eat candies until they get home and you are able to read labels.
5. Include small surprises. Buy non-candy toys, like stickers, bubbles, tattoos, glow sticks, or pencils to give for the entire class.
6. Focus on the fun. Talk to your kid about how to enjoy the party even if he/she is not able to eat the same as the other kids. The fun part is to be able to share and create memories with your friends. Help them grow in their kid self-confidence; it is ok to be different!
I hope these little tips help you and your child this Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentines! Keep reading for some brands that are allergy-friendly.
Allergy-Friendly Treats:
Surf Sweets – gummies and jelly beans, free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, sulfites, and gluten.
Enjoy Life – Chocolates, free of dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, nuts, egg, wheat, shellfish, fish.
Amanda’s Own – Chocolates, free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and gluten.
Jelly Belly – Jelly beans, Free of dairy, egg, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Peanut and tree nut-free.
No Whey! Foods – Chocolates and candies, free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and gluten.
Yum Earth – Candies, gummies, and lollipops, free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
