Assist Your Child with Self-Management

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For children with food allergies, prevention of allergic reactions involves making good choices, advocating for themselves, and recognizing potentially dangerous situations. As your child grows older and matures developmentally, learning how to manage his or her food allergy is vitally important in individual and collective efforts to avoid life threatening food allergens.  Your role in your child’s learning process is essential.

When appropriate, teach your child to

  • Carry his or her prescribed epinephrine at all times. Remember: prompt administration of epinephrine is key to surviving a potentially life-threatening reaction.
  • Know where his or her prescribed epinephrine is located at school (if he or she is not old enough or permitted to carry it) and which school personnel can access the medication.
  • Raise awareness of food allergy among others (classmates, friends, etc.).
  • Avoid eating any food whose ingredients are unknown, such as home-baked goods.
  • Avoid sharing or trading food with classmates. 
  • Wash hands regularly to help prevent exposure to food allergens.
  • Read food labels to identify potential food allergens.
  • Learn how to recognize the symptoms of a reaction and to tell an adult immediately if he or she suspects an allergic reaction.
  • Wear medical identification jewelry that can help convey food allergy information to emergency medical personnel.
  • Report bullying or teasing so that appropriate action can be taken.