The teenage years have notoriously always been known for their ability to throw a child's life into turmoil. But now, unfortunately comes the double whammy. Your child has just been diagnosed with a food allergy.
It's getting better, but many people still have the attitude a food allergy is all a bunch of fluff. So what if you can't eat bread, or drink milk or have an omelet or any of the other numerous food restrictions. The general population has no experience reading or understanding any food label, so it is really no concern of theirs why your child can no longer eat a sandwich.
If they only knew!
So, here your child has just reached their teenage years. They are starting to assert their independence away from the parental/adult community and now they feel totally ostracized from their own peer group also. A food allergy gives no visual reminders there is a problem (until there is a reaction), so often the other kids themselves can't figure out what the fuss is about.
This is the time when it is so very important, the lines of communication must be kept open between the child, their doctor and parents, and even a local support group if possible.
The Road To Recovery For The Teen
As stated, your child has slowly and steadily been pulling away, asserting their own independence and trying to make their own independent decisions.
The parent though, first reactions are to smother the child with care and concern. The result of this is only going to lead to rebellion and anger though. The child is scared, unbelieving, trying to "cut corners" to fit in with their normal crowd and angered by the new restrictions and limitations being handed down by all these adults.
A genuine concern shown through love, patience and encouragement though is the only formula for success to make your child understand the importance of the new rules for their own future health.
Some new methods are now needed which may help all parties to adjust so try implementing these into both your child's and for the adults routines on a daily basis.
It's getting better, but many people still have the attitude a food allergy is all a bunch of fluff. So what if you can't eat bread, or drink milk or have an omelet or any of the other numerous food restrictions. The general population has no experience reading or understanding any food label, so it is really no concern of theirs why your child can no longer eat a sandwich.
If they only knew!
So, here your child has just reached their teenage years. They are starting to assert their independence away from the parental/adult community and now they feel totally ostracized from their own peer group also. A food allergy gives no visual reminders there is a problem (until there is a reaction), so often the other kids themselves can't figure out what the fuss is about.
This is the time when it is so very important, the lines of communication must be kept open between the child, their doctor and parents, and even a local support group if possible.
The Road To Recovery For The Teen
As stated, your child has slowly and steadily been pulling away, asserting their own independence and trying to make their own independent decisions.
The parent though, first reactions are to smother the child with care and concern. The result of this is only going to lead to rebellion and anger though. The child is scared, unbelieving, trying to "cut corners" to fit in with their normal crowd and angered by the new restrictions and limitations being handed down by all these adults.
A genuine concern shown through love, patience and encouragement though is the only formula for success to make your child understand the importance of the new rules for their own future health.
Some new methods are now needed which may help all parties to adjust so try implementing these into both your child's and for the adults routines on a daily basis.
- right now your child needs their own support group. As the parent, figure out who is your child's #1 go-to person in times of stress or joy. Usually at this age, your child will have one or two true best friends. Talk to this person(s) and explain the situation. See if you can recruit them to be your child's confidante, second pair of eyes, ears, learn the ropes of the allergy and all it entails. As you and your child learn the ropes of what is and what is not safe, allow the best friend the opportunity to learn right along with. The chances for safety is always better with numbers.
- have a short course in the Epipen and make sure everyone knows how to use it, when to use it and when it's necessary to repeat it again.
- explain your desire to prepare foods (or collect safe selections locally) for any kind of party, school function, a night at the friend's house etc. as long as you know in advance. Make sure your child realizes, many foods can be duplicated with just a few substitutions as long as you have advance notice.
- a very important rite of passage for the child, start taking the time to work with your child and the friend(s) and make sure they become adept in the kitchen. Managing an allergy is so much easier if you prepare your own foods. It gives you the advantage you know exactly what is in them.
- let your child help plan and choose vacation destinations. Traveling with a food allergic child takes a lot of pre-planning and preparation. The last thing you want is to go somewhere and find out your child has no options for food for the entire time you are away.
- a local support group or summer camp is often a highlight in a teens life if you can get them to go. Relaxing and talking with an entire group of people with the same problem as them is not only educational, it is therapeutic.
No comments:
Post a Comment