My daughter has more food allergies. Anyone else go through this?

Question

She has been allergic to eggs for years and equivalent to eggs is 99% of what's in a store. We already make everything at home, so it's not much a change for us to find out she's allergic to nuts too. However, we are scared of dirty hands and her being at school. No one could be egg and nut free with their kids and we understand. They don't realize that it isn't actually the nuts and eggs - but the warnings, equivalents, and simple exposure of what they touch!

I keep thinking my daughter isn't going to make it through the day at school. They are trying, but there's only so much the school can do. My daughter is in denial and tries to eat others' food - no matter the threat. She's been in her room without toys or furniture for weeks until she earns them back. Doesn't help. She goes to the hospital for attacks and then does the same thing again. She's 6 and really doesn't understand danger.

Anyone else gone through this?

I have tried to punish her for eating life threatening foods that will kill her. Doesn't work at all - she just doesn't understand the danger.

Answer 1

I have a younger nephew who is allergic to nuts, soy, seafood, milk, eggs, and wheat. I feel so bad for him. It is very hard because he is only 2 now. As you know they tend to want to try everything out of curiosity. He has been to the emergency room a couple of times but nothing major. He throws tantrums because he will want certain drinks or food. The cost of all the natural organic solutions are a pain but there is no price on the life of a child. The thing that helps me explain to him at such a young age is the allergy bracelet he wears as a medical alert for all his allergies. When I point out certain foods he wants I refer to the bracelet and he knows it's off limits. Your daughter may not take you seriously because she feels like she cant eat anything. I would talk to the doctors and explain your situation. Sometimes children listen more attentively to a stranger or higher respected adult (Teacher,doctor). This may raise her awareness. Also try new foods that would be attractive to her that other kids would want. This may allow her to feel that she has the "popular food" and will be discouraged from eating off others especially after having a discussion with the doctor in the back of her mind. I know it's a scary thought that someone may give her an allergic reaction, but sometimes it is unpreventable. Remain calm if a breakout does occur and ask how it happened. Perhaps a medical bracelet may cause some of her friends to ask why she wears it and she can explain to them that she could die if exposed to..... If she does come in counter with dirty hands or such exposures the complications will be mild so try to reassure her that mommy is her friend!
Good Luck!

Answer 2

I haven't personally, but one of my friends in grade school was allergy tested for 40 items and came back allergic to 38 of them (and of the two she wasn't allergic to was black coffee) - allergic to all the usuals (dairy, nuts, wheat) but also to carrots, celery...you name it.
My input though is that you might reconsider grounding her, especially as you say it's not helping. She's already suffering from not being able to eat these foods - that she likes, that her friends are eating. Grounding her on top of that, when she doesn't really understand, probably seems to her like you're just being mean, even though you're trying to do what's best for her because you love her.
I know it may sound a little cheesy, but I wonder if you could try to work out a positive-reinforcement system, giving her something small - a sticker or some treat she *can* have - when she's good.
You also might try explaining to her that she could die if she eats her friends food - in a calm tone if possible, especially after a hospital visit - because sometimes children understand a lot more than we think they do. And tell her you love her, a lot, because it's really easy when children are not being allowed to have or do something for them to start believing it's because they're bad or their parents don't love them.

Answer 3

You should be ashamed of yourself.... Grounding a 6 year old for days and taking away toys because of normal childhood urges?
I suggest you sign her up for cooking classes with a specialist.
I also suggest you have her see a nutritionist who can help educate her through games and stuff on the importance of her condition.

Answer 4

i would never do that..that is very awful of you to take her belongings..that is a invasion of her belongings..
she is oing through a tough time..and that certainly does not help..
show more love..and talk to her about it more..thats not a good way to punish her. she cant have furniture?
ask your doctor about what you should do and what youve done already..

Answer 5

my sister goes through it too. with strawberries. she gets hives