Don't Think It's About You.

With the except of a celiac parent, a parent with a food allergic child is different from all other parents. We have to know what is in the food or everyday item you're giving to our kid. We can't accept that you "read the label" or that "I've given it to him before, what's the problem?" We have to wonder if you cut a peanut butter sandwich this morning with the knife that you are now cutting watermelon. Trusting others to read a label properly or prevent cross-contamination can be life-threatening.

Some simple things to remember:

First-it's not about you. If I ask to see the package or question where an item was cut, it's not a personal attack. I'm not out to hurt your feelings, I'm searching for information.

Second-You don't know food allergy. Remember those Nike commercials from the 80's with Bo Jackson & Bo Diddley--you know, where Bo Diddley says, "Bo, you don't know diddley?" Yeah. Food allergy is like that, too. You think you know, but you don't know.  Hand over the box/bag/label/package and let me decide if he should eat it. Don't get offended if I don't let him-again, it's not about you.

Third-Gluten free labelling is not the saving grace of food allergy. Sure, labelling laws are much improved. Sure, there are more products on the market today. You don't know food allergy if you think gluten-free is the answer. Many gluten-free foods are significantly cross-contaminated with nuts, or contain nut flours in their ingredient list. Kids with wheat allergy do not have celiac disease. Please don't offer my wheat allergic child a "gluten free" food. It's not about you.

Fourth-Everyday items have food allergens in them. Play-doh is labelled to contain wheat. One must assume all other play clays also contain wheat. The glue on envelopes and stamps can also contain wheat. Some school glues and paints can contain eggs and wheat. Inks can be soy-based, causing problems for a soy-allergic child. If I take the glue or markers away from my child and ask for the package, it's not about you.

Fifth-"No" means "no". If you offer my child something, maybe a Popsicle, and I say "no", don't ask for a reason. Don't ask a second time.  Maybe I know something about that Popsicle that you don't. Maybe I don't want my child to have a Popsicle. It's not about you.

It's about trying to keep my kid alive.