Essential Points

Having an allergy does mean that extra care needs to be taken but, as we have discussed, it does not mean that your child has to miss out on their childhood. With extra care and planning a child with allergy can have a full and fun childhood. Here are the key points which should be followed at all times to allow your child to be safe and grow with confidence:

• Keep your medication bag in the same place so everyone knows exactly where it is
• Teach your child who to go to if they feel unwell, and provide contact numbers for them if they are old enough
• Teach your child about triggers and what they look like
• Support your child if they are having problems and seek further input
• Praise your child for coping with their allergies. (It is easy to accept symptoms and forget they are difficult to cope with everyday)
• Notify everyone who may care for your child
• Have extra supplies of allowed foods when you go out, in case you are longer than you anticipate
• Give clear instructions and written information to anyone caring for your child such as nurseries and schools
• Ask for information, regarding a young child to be written down in a message book if, for example, they have had allergy symptoms and someone else is collecting them

Last updated: March 2012