There is so much negativity accompanied by food allergies. Not being able to enjoy great foods that most people take for granted is definitely top of that list. You tend to get invited to far fewer dinner parties and other social events that are surrounded by food. For children this means fewer birthday party invites. It seems to be to big of a hassle to work around another child's needs. For the parent of a food allergic child this means being "that mom". You know the overprotective and overbearing mother that none of the other parents want to deal with.
Well I have come to look at my sons food allergies as some what of a blessing. We often forget to take a step back and see just how lucky we are. We are to busy focusing on the problem at hand, creating awareness, educating, fundraising, and finding a cure. This is the life of a parent who has a child with food allergies. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that is put in to these efforts. After all I am "that mom".
When forced to take a different view of my families life with food allergies I have to say it has changed our eating habits for the better. I believe most food allergy families are living this way. By reading the labels of every product that comes through our home I am able to say I know everything my child is eating. I focus now on more nutritional meals. There is no fast and easy anymore. I enjoy having to take the time to prepare a meal that I know is healthy and safe for my children. I can also say that I am more informed and involved with my son's school then I ever would have been. A parent teacher relationship is key to keeping a food allergic child safe in school. A good relationship with all of those who may at some point care for your child is also key. I think my son's food allergies has brought us back to the way parenting should be. There of course will always be those who may prefer to refer to it as necrotic parenting but I suppose I've been called worse. : )
This said I would just like anyone who has a food allergic child or is living with food allergies themselves to take a step back from the craziness and find something wonderful that has come from your experience. I know its hard and scary at times but there really is an upside! Keep up the good work.
Well I have come to look at my sons food allergies as some what of a blessing. We often forget to take a step back and see just how lucky we are. We are to busy focusing on the problem at hand, creating awareness, educating, fundraising, and finding a cure. This is the life of a parent who has a child with food allergies. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that is put in to these efforts. After all I am "that mom".
When forced to take a different view of my families life with food allergies I have to say it has changed our eating habits for the better. I believe most food allergy families are living this way. By reading the labels of every product that comes through our home I am able to say I know everything my child is eating. I focus now on more nutritional meals. There is no fast and easy anymore. I enjoy having to take the time to prepare a meal that I know is healthy and safe for my children. I can also say that I am more informed and involved with my son's school then I ever would have been. A parent teacher relationship is key to keeping a food allergic child safe in school. A good relationship with all of those who may at some point care for your child is also key. I think my son's food allergies has brought us back to the way parenting should be. There of course will always be those who may prefer to refer to it as necrotic parenting but I suppose I've been called worse. : )
This said I would just like anyone who has a food allergic child or is living with food allergies themselves to take a step back from the craziness and find something wonderful that has come from your experience. I know its hard and scary at times but there really is an upside! Keep up the good work.
I totally agree that food allergies have a positive side! My daughter has multiple allergies, and she knows that our family has learned to eat in a much healthier way because of her allergies, and has learned to try many new foods that we many not have otherwise tried. She is proud to have brought a healthy change to our family, and that helps on days when having allergies brings her down. Also, I love that Kyle Dine is creating music that is so focused on a positive message about living with food allergies, if you haven't checked him out yet, please do!
ReplyDeleteGood points. I know more about food and nutrition than almost anyone I know, even people who do it for a living! We eat more healthily most days than anyone else I know as well!
ReplyDeleteAnd honestly it's the BEST excuse to avoid nasty school lunches!