How to Safely Send Your Food Allergic Child to a Birthday Party

Attending birthday parties are a part of childhood. If, however, you are the parent of a child with food allergies, the prospect of sending your child off to a party full of treats and goodies can be unnerving. Instead of keeping your child at home, follow these tips below so your kids can enjoy this wonderful part of childhood.

1. Call the host parents.

Explain the reason for your call, so the host parent understands the issue and extent of your child's food allergy problem. Do not assume the parent knows anything about the food allergies just because his or her child shares the same classroom with yours.

Be clear about the type of reaction that could occur if a trigger food were inadvertently ingested, and what the parent should do if it happens.

Allow the host parent to rescind the invitation at this point, if they are not comfortable with the responsibility of your child's attendance at their party. This may seem harsh for your child, but it could save a lot of trouble in the end.

2. Find out the food details.

Find out what foods and drinks will be served, and whether they will be served to each individual child, or served buffet style. Free access to food may be major safety problem for your child.

3. Offer to make or buy an alternative food and/or drink for your child.

Do not expect a parent hosting fifteen five year olds to change the menu based on your child's specific needs. Instead, offer to bake or bring an acceptable alternative, clearly labeled with your child's name. There are several brands of baked goods on grocery store shelves now that are safe for children with various food allergies.

4. Send lists with your child.

You've packed the birthday present but did you remember the food allergy help list?

Give the host parent something to refer to by including a list of all food allergies along with foods that you know will be at the party (thanks to Number 2 above) marked as to safe or not safe for your child's consumption.

Depending on the number and types of reactions, it is also helpful to include a list of possible symptoms and reactions the parent should be aware of. If your child requires immediate intervention, include the method (such as an EpiPen) and make sure the host parent knows how to use it.

Most importantly, make sure the host parent has a phone number to reach you during the party, in the event of a problem arising.

5. Talk it over with your child.

If your child is old enough to attend a party without you, they are probably old enough to understand their food allergy problem.

Review with your child the types of foods he or she should not eat. Also remind the child that turning food down is not impolite when a food allergy is involved.

6. Offer to help chaperone the party.

While most parents are happy to allow their child to eat and have fun at someone else's house for a few hours, most of them do not offer to help with the party.

Offering to be a chaperone or party helper gives you complete control over what your child eats and drinks, and relieves the host parent of the responsibility of making sure your child doesn't consume a trigger food.

7. Be assertive for your child's safety.

Do not be afraid to appear assertive or forward in asking questions and setting rules regarding your child's attendance at the party. Every parent should understand the importance of putting your child's safety first, particularly in a potentially life-threatening situation.