Eating Out and Kids with Food Allergies

Eating out with kids with food allergies is probably among one of the single most difficult things to accomplish when attempting to enjoy a meal outside of the home as a family. Mom needs a well deserved break from the cooking grind but if any of her kids have food allergies, eating out quickly becomes a chore. The June/July 2011 issue of Living Without magazine, features a informative article on some of the safety tips for eating out with food allergies. Some of these tips may make eating out with food allergies more of a pleasant experience for the entire family.

Advanced Restaurant Research

Take advantage of technology before you head out for your meal by researching menus at some of your food allergy friendly restaurant picks. You can pull up restaurant menus online for easy access to information about what's available on the menu for those with food allergies. Or if you live nearby and find yourself in the neighborhood, stop in and pick up a menu to keep at your place for easy reference before making arrangements to eat there.

Practice With the Kids

Kids with food allergies need to become aware of how to order for themselves in restaurants. It's important to instruct your food allergic child on which questions they need to be asking regarding safe ingredients and the like. Set up a practice station with your child with a table he can sit at with perhaps some homemade menus. A family member can be the waiter/waitress and mom can be present at the table for cues.

Keep Snacks With You

In the event that a meal gets botched or there's a long wait for whatever reason, be sure you have some safe snacks with you. Especially for those younger children that can't wait without getting agitated before too long. Pack some goodies in your purse or keep them in the car for those circumstances. Once you get your meal, be sure to double check that it's what you ordered.

Talk to the Chef

As a parent, you'll want to be sure that the people preparing your child's food are aware of the severe problem that can occur as a result of your child eating the smallest of amount of the foods that are harmful for him/her. Don't be shy about asking to speak to the chef, if for no other reason other than to confirm what's being served, what ingredients went into the preparation of the food and how it was cooked.

Source:

June/July 2011 issue of Living Without Magazine