Three Wise Words of Allergy Advice

On the rare occasions I meet parents of allergic children we often chat and share words of advice with each other.  It's so rare to find parents of multiple allergic children that the need for advice from one in a similar situation is that much more important.

I thought I would share my three golden words of wisdom with you as I do think they have helped us on our journey.

Firstly and most importantly, view the allergies as a positive.  I frown upon those who pity the Wee Man.  I will not allow any pitiful comments about him especially when he can hear them.  Phrases such as "what a shame!", "poor thing", "how do you cope?" are a few of the many comments we get.  If the Wee Man is within ear shot I make light of what they have said and brand them as "crazy".  I am quick to point out that the Wee Man has a full and happy life as well as a very varied diet.  He is by far much more healthier than a lot of his peers.  After all how many children get home cooked meals and treats each and every day?

The allergies are not a limitation on what he can do and achieve.  He is a very bright, fun loving and healthy boy so there is no need for any ones pity.  Thank you very much!  The Wee Man has adopted this positive attitude and does not view his allergies as limiting in anyway.

Secondly, involve your allergic child in his or her "food journey".  From when the Wee Man was a year and half old he has helped me in the kitchen.  I involve him in every aspect of his food.  We often surf the internet together looking for recipes and discussing how we can adapt them to suit his dietary needs.  We have also spent many hours in the free from aisles of all the major supermarkets, reading ingredients together and discussing whether it is suitable.    Doing this will also teach your child what he can and cannot eat.  I've made food fun for him.  Though in all honesty if he had his way he would eat crisps for each and every meal.

And thirdly and most importantly give your child a toy medical kit to play with.  This is especially relevant for a child with multiple allergies.  They will be in and out of hospital so often and be poked and prodded by medical staff, it's a good idea to make them aware of all the procedures that will be done to them.  The Wee Man and I played doctors and nurses a lot when he was younger and we still do.  We have played it so often now my heart sinks when he gets his medical kit out!

My sister bought him a great toy medical kit from Tesco a few years ago.  Unfortunately they no longer stock it, but alongside all the usual stuff the kit also had a blood pressure cuff and an IV.  An allergic child will have their blood pressure taken lots and lots of times and the IV would be useful just in case it is ever required.  We also bought a real stethoscope from ebay to add to his kit.  They are quite cheap at around £2 including postage and packing. They are also a lot of fun!

The Wee Man positively looks forward to his hospital visits and is desperate to ride in an ambulance again.

So basically have a positive attitude, involve your child in their food and play doctors and nurses.