Celebrating Mother’s Day With Food Allergies
Just because I have food allergies, it doesn't mean I can't have a good time and enjoy a delicious meal with my family on Mother’s Day!
Guest post by Teen Advisory Group member Alexa Marshall
Eleven-year-old Alexa Marshall is allergic to peanut and tree nuts. Here she describes her family’s traditional Mother’s Day gathering, which they hope to enjoy again next year.
Celebrating a holiday can sometimes be overwhelming and scary for those with food allergies. It can be even scarier when it’s being celebrated at someone else's house. In my family, it has become a tradition to celebrate Mother’s Day at my Aunt's house. We look forward to it every year.
Ironically, on Mother’s Day when I was two years old, I had my first reaction to peanuts. Since then I have found out that I am also allergic to all tree nuts. My family has been so helpful and thoughtful when it comes to making our gatherings safe for me.
A week before we go to my Aunt’s house for our Mother’s Day dinner, we always call her to see what she plans to make. She saves all of the labels of the foods she’s using so I can make sure all of the ingredients are safe. She is always so careful with what she buys. Most of the dishes she makes are made from scratch, which makes it easy for me to feel comfortable while eating there. She is such a good cook! Even with all of those safety steps she takes, I still bring a safe quick meal just in case I'm not comfortable at the last minute. I’ve never eaten what I’ve brought with me for dinner, but it’s comforting for me just to know I have the option.
When it comes to desserts, my personal favorite part of the meal, I always offer to make something for everyone so I can guarantee it’s safe. Each year I try to make something different and something my Mom loves! I find that baking my own desserts is not only fun, but it also puts me in control of the food I eat. It also is a time that I get to spend some quality time with my Mom, so it makes it extra special, especially on Mother’s Day!
Although, this year will be a bit different and we won’t be able to get together at my Aunt's house because of the pandemic, I look forward to being able to get together as a family soon.
What I’ve learned through all of this is that just because I have food allergies, it doesn't mean I can't have a good time and enjoy a delicious meal with my family on Mother’s Day! With a lot of care and attention, enjoying a meal in someone else’s home can be stress-free and fun.
Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom and all of the mothers reading this!