Dealing with food allergies is emotional for kids & parents. Learn how to support your child’s mental well-being & navigate this journey with confidence.
Has your child been diagnosed with a food allergy? As dietitian moms, we understand that it is overwhelming, for everyone in the family. It’s an emotional journey for both children and parents – from a new food allergy diagnosis to adjusting to living with certain eating limitations. The constant need for vigilance, the fear of accidental exposure, and adapting to a new quality of life can all contribute to feelings of anxiety, frustration, sadness and even grief.
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the restrictions and uncertainties that come with food allergies. (Especially managing food allergies at school.) As a parent, you may worry about your child’s safety while also managing the varying emotions that come up from your child. When we started solids with my middle son, my “mom instincts” were telling me something wasn’t quite right. He was so miserable and his eczema had flared severely. It wasn’t until after his third egg exposure that he woke up from a nap with a full-body rash. All signs pointed toward a possible food allergy. Unfortunately (like many) we had months to wait until we could see an allergist to complete the investigation to confirm the allergy.
While our learning curve wasn’t as steep as others, I do understand the significant emotional toll that it can take: the waiting, the worrying about another reaction, the overwhelm of reading labels, finding safe substitutions, and the constant advocacy needed to ensure our children feel and are safe.
Navigating food allergies goes beyond just avoiding certain foods. It affects emotional well-being, social experiences, and daily life. In this post, we’ll explore how food allergies can impact both kids and parents, along with practical strategies to help your family cope.
Children with food allergies may experience anxiety and stress due to the need for constant vigilance or resentment over restrictions, which can further lead to feelings of exclusion. Some may also develop food allergy-specific anxieties due to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after a severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis. Each child will react differently, with factors like temperament, personality, the severity of their reactions, or age of diagnosis playing a role.
Here are some ways food allergies can impact a child’s mental health:
Recognizing these challenges is the first step in helping children process their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Whether it be a peanut allergy, a soy allergy, or anything in between, one of the most important things parents can do is validate their child’s feelings about food allergies. It’s okay for them to feel frustrated, resentful, angry, or sad—these are natural reactions to the limitations and risks they face. Parents may also experience a range of emotions, from grief to overwhelm to exhaustion, and these feelings are all valid too.
Here’s how to support emotional well-being:
By validating emotions, you create a safe space for your child to express themselves while building emotional resilience and a positive coping skill.
Encourage children to talk about their emotions surrounding food allergies. Whether they’re frustrated about missing out on a birthday treat or nervous about speaking up at a restaurant, let them know their feelings are valid. Offer age-appropriate ways to express emotions, such as drawing, writing, or role-playing conversations.
Rather than focusing on restrictions, highlight the safe and enjoyable foods they can eat. Make food allergies an opportunity to explore new and creative meals. Why not try some of these ideas?
Empower children to take charge of their food allergies with confidence. This includes:
Food allergies can make kids feel different, but small efforts to create normalcy can make a big impact. One of the things I’ve found most helpful as a parent of a child with food allergies is prioritizing inclusion, no matter the situation. For example, when my son had his first birthday party, I made sure to provide allergy-friendly snacks alongside the regular treats. At first, I was nervous. Would everyone feel comfortable? Would he feel left out? But when I saw how excited he was to be able to eat the same as the other kids, I knew it was worth it.
Encourage inclusion by:
As parents, how we manage our child’s food allergy can really impact how they cope with it. It’s totally normal to be anxious; it’s a natural part of being human! Anxiety often shows up as stress or worry about what’s to come, and honestly, who doesn’t worry about the “what-ifs”? While it can feel overwhelming, anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. It can actually help us prepare and stay safe. It’s just that when it starts to feel like too much, that’s when it’s time to ask for a little extra support.
Parenting a child with food allergies is emotionally demanding. It’s important to recognize and address your own feelings of stress, grief, or anxiety. Here are some ways to give yourself kindness and compassion:
Modeling emotional resilience and self-care sets a powerful example for your child and helps create a supportive environment for the entire family.
Navigating food allergies can be overwhelming, and seeking support is so important. Open communication and emotional validation are key to navigating the ups and downs. You’ve got this! And remember, you are not alone. At Centred Nutrition Collective, we understand the complexities of food allergies and are here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.
*By subscribing, I consent to receiving emails from Centred Nutrition Collective. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time.
