Coping and support

A food allergy can be a source of ongoing concern that affects life at home, school and work. Daily activities that are easy for most families, such as grocery shopping and meal preparation, can become occasions of stress for families and caregivers living with food allergies.

Keep these strategies in mind to help manage your or your child's food allergy-related stress:

• Connect with others. The opportunity to discuss food allergies and exchange information with others who share your concerns can be very helpful.

Many internet sites and nonprofit organizations offer information and forums for discussing food allergies. Some are specifically for parents of children with food allergies. The Food Allergy Research & Education website can direct you to support groups and events in your area.

• Educate those around you. Make sure family and caregivers, including baby sitters and school staff, have a thorough understanding of your child's food allergy.
• Address bullying. Children are often bullied because of food allergies at school. Discussing your child's allergy with school personnel greatly reduces your child's risk of being a bullying target.