Living in a house full of kids with and without food allergies can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some of the things I do to make it easier.
Offer Safe Snacks
Sure, you might find that I occasionally offer up goldfish snacks or go-gurts to those who can have cow’s milk in my family. But more often than not, I stick to safe snacks all around. Why? Well, why not?
“Allergy-friendly” snacks tend to get a bad rap. Like, they can’t possibly taste as good because they’re lacking ingredients and I must be depriving my allergy-free kids.
Wrong! Just because something is allergy-safe doesn’t mean it can’t be every bit as fun or tasty (Hello! Abe’s Muffins.) Allergy safe snacks just mean I get to keep everyone happy and healthy at the same time. Plus, I won’t drive myself crazy chasing after sticky, unsafe fingers and the surfaces they touch.
Cut Down Cross-Contamination
It’s simple. Whenever I prepare meals at home, I make and plate the allergy-free ones first. That way, I prevent cross-contamination from happening in my kitchen. And if I do have to touch or fix something in between, I wash my hands. Admittedly, probably more than the average person.
Double Up on Appliances
You can also cut down on cross-contamination by getting extra kitchen items that will only be used for allergy-safe meals. For example, frying pans, blenders, sponges, etc. Just recently, we purchased a second toaster for this very reason!
Color-Code Plates
My kid’s plates and cups are color-coded. This happened well before allergies, to be honest. It just made everything easier. I could keep track of whose food I plated and the kids would know exactly who it was meant for once it got to the table.
Now it’s great because it helps ensure there is never a mix-up.
Label Everything
I always have a sharpie on-hand and I label everything in the kitchen with it, from dates opened to safe or unsafe foods. The kids also like to label their snacks and drinks before we head out.
Talk About It
Everyone in the house knows what food allergies are, the importance of handwashing, how to look out for each other, and the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Plus, I’ve trained our oldest on how to use her brothers’ Epi-pens, in case of an emergency.
I try not to put too much emphasis on it lately though. Yes, I want the boys to feel comfortable talking about their allergies. I want them to be vocal and speak up for themselves. I want them to double-check their food and ask questions- especially when they’re outside of the house.
But I also don’t want them to feel like the black sheep or odd man out because of it. That’s why at home, I regularly cook meals or offer snacks everyone can eat so we don’t have to spend time talking about how they are different.
What are your thoughts? And what are some ways you keep your family safe and organized? I’d love to hear about it.