Proactive Parents

Protecting your food-allergic child and ensuring his or her inclusion in school activities requires planning. Here’s what you can do to make it happen:

• Be a resource for your child’s school. Meet with the school nurse and all of your child’s teachers (including P.E., music, and after-school care). Bring a copy of your child’s physical form and go over it together. Give each one a written summary of your child’s allergies, a list of the warning symptoms your child displays when exposed, and an emergency procedure list that includes your phone number so you can be contacted immediately, if needed. The school may have its own medical emergency policy. Review that policy with them.
• Consider contacting the parents of your child’s classmates, or ask that the teacher do so, to explain the dietary restriction and suggest snacks that are safe for any in-school celebrations that might be potluck. Some parents have found it helpful to offer other parents a written list of safe foods.
• Know that your rights are legally protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If the teachers and school nurse aren’t responsive, go to the principal. If the principal won’t accommodate you, go to the superintendent.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Remind yourself that you’replaying a leadership role in forging a healthy plan for your child’s future.

For a comprehensive set of guidelines for schools, parents, and students, go to www.foodallergy.org/school.html or call the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) at 800-929-4040.

This article was featured in the Fall 2003 issue.
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