The first day of school is always a momentous occasion filled with the excitement of meeting old friends, making new ones, and the anticipation of a fresh academic year. The smell of crisp new supplies adds to the overall thrill. However, for children with food allergies, this day can also bring a wave of nervousness and anxiety. Questions like, “What will the new year bring?” and “Will it be a safe space for my allergies?” often come to mind. As an allergy mom, I’ve learned that planning and preparation are key to ensuring a smooth start to the new school year. Here are some food allergies tips for school to help make the transition safer and easier for everyone involved.
Introduction
Starting a new school year is an exciting yet challenging time for both parents and children. The first day of school comes with the joy of meeting old friends, making new ones, and diving into fresh academic experiences. The anticipation of a new year brings a unique thrill, from picking out new school supplies to donning a crisp, clean uniform. However, for families dealing with food allergies, this time can also be filled with anxiety and concern. Questions about safety and preparedness often arise, making it essential to have a solid plan in place. This blog aims to provide comprehensive food allergies tips for school, ensuring a safe and smooth transition for children with food allergies. Whether it’s preparing medications, communicating with school staff, or ensuring safe snacks are available, these tips will help create a supportive environment for your child.
Prepare a List of Medications
When you receive the school supply list, it’s an excellent opportunity to also prepare a list of medications that need to be provided to the school. These can include items like Epipens, Benadryl, and other allergy medications. Make sure to get a new prescription from your doctor and refill these medications so they last the entire school year before expiring. This is also the perfect time to get school medication forms signed by your healthcare provider.
Deliver Medications to the School Nurse
When it’s time to drop off school supplies, whether it’s on back-to-school night or the first day of school, make sure to visit the nurse’s office to deliver your child’s medications. This ensures they are readily available in case of an emergency.
Keep Safe Treats and Snacks in the Classroom
Consider keeping a pack of shelf-stable treats, like cookies, in your child’s classroom. This allows them to enjoy a safe treat during birthdays or other classroom celebrations. Additionally, having a safe, shelf-stable snack or canned food stored at school can be beneficial for emergencies or lockdown situations.
Communicate with School Staff
It’s crucial to have open communication with your child’s teachers, the school nurse, and other staff members about your child’s allergies. Ask important questions, such as whether they have received training on Epipen administration. Ensuring multiple adults in the school can recognize allergic reactions and administer an Epipen is vital. Also, remind teachers of the importance of good handwashing practices after meals and snacks.
Engage with the PTO
Engage with the PTO to discuss forming a group specifically for kids with food allergies. This way, parents can collaborate to ensure safe food options are available during school events like movie nights or school fairs.
Discuss a 504 Plan
If necessary, talk to your school principal about implementing a 504 plan. This legal document provides assurances and safety measures for your child.
Educate Friends and Classmates
Encourage your child to talk to their new friends about their allergies and make them aware of their specific allergens. This is also a good time to remind old friends, who may have been away during the summer break, about your child’s allergies. Older kids, with their teacher’s permission, can give a short talk in their classroom about their allergies. This can serve as a good reminder for classmates about the importance of good handwashing.
Conclusion
Going to school with food allergies doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these food allergies tips for school, you can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable school year for children with food allergies. Planning and preparation can make all the difference, turning anxiety into confidence as they embark on their new academic journey. With these steps, you can create a safe, supportive environment that allows your child to thrive both academically and socially.
Check out our kid-friendly recipes for delicious, allergy-safe meal ideas that make lunchtime fun and worry-free.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
When you get the school supply list, also make a list of necessary medications like Epipens, Benadryl, and other allergy medications. Get new prescriptions from your doctor and ensure they are refilled to last the entire school year before expiring. Drop off the medications at the nurse’s office during back-to-school night or the first day of school.
Keep a pack of shelf-stable treats, like cookies, in the classroom so your child can enjoy a safe treat during celebrations. Also, provide a safe, shelf-stable snack or canned food for emergencies or lockdowns. Communicate with teachers and staff about your child’s allergies and ensure they have received training on Epipen administration.
Talk to your child’s teachers, nurse, and other staff members about the allergies. Ask important questions such as whether they have received training on Epipen administration. It’s essential to have multiple adults in the school who can recognize allergic reactions and administer an Epipen. Remind teachers of the importance of good handwashing practices after meals and snacks.
A 504 plan is a legal document that provides accommodations for students with disabilities, including food allergies. It ensures the school takes necessary steps to keep your child safe. If your child has severe food allergies, discussing a 504 plan with the school principal can provide added assurance and safety measures.
Encourage your child to talk to their friends about their allergies and make them aware of their specific allergens. This is especially important for new friends and a good reminder for old friends. Older children can, with their teacher’s permission, give a short talk in their classroom about their allergies to remind classmates of good handwashing and the importance of avoiding allergen exposure.
