Handling Valentine's Day with Food Allergies: You Are Not Alone

Valentine's Day is supposed to be filled with love, but let's get real for a second-parents of kids with food allergies, it's added stress! The fear of your child being left out at a school celebration, or worse, your child coming into contact with their allergen. It's the dreaded class treats, the cross-contact, and again feeling the pressure to make sure your kiddo doesn't feel left out. Some days it feels like you cannot take one more thing on. If this feels like you, then you are not alone.

The Power of Conversation
One of the best ways to handle Valentine's Day safely is through open communication. Whether it be a parent talking with your child, your kiddo's teacher, or a classroom parent, speaking up and taking that opportunity to teach them is what matters. It is okay to set expectations! If you are a teen dealing with social situations, it might get awkward, but speak up: you are worth it! Every time we converse and with whom we converse and educate, we are building a safer future.

Practice: Help your kiddo understand what is safe and what isn't. Practice looking at packaging and labels. Also practice ways to decline foods that aren't safe.

Communicate with Teachers & Parents: Meet with them to explain the options of safe food alternatives, or even better yet-no food celebrations all together. Stock an allergen friendly snack box in the classroom filled with treats that are safe!

Educate: Many people want to be supportive but may not understand the seriousness of food allergies. A little education goes a long way!

Allergy-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean there is any type of food.  Here are some fun ways to celebrate that still keep inclusivity in mind: Valentine's Day Cards Exchange ♥️ Sticker or Craft Activities ♥️  Small Toys or Books for Gifts ♥️  Pre-Approved Allergy-Friendly Treats!

We've put together a few of the allergen-friendly businesses that help take the stress out of Valentine's Day.

♥️  YumEarth: Top 9 allergen-free and no artificial dyes.

♥️  Enjoy Life: Baking chocolate FREE from 14 common allergens.

♥️  Free2Be: Free from the top 9 allergens and artificial additives! They offer delicious chocolate cups that are filled with sunflower butter, caramel, or mint.
♥️  Surf Sweets: These are made without the top 8 allergens and high fructose corn syrup. They're also organic and made in the USA!

You Are Part of a Supportive Community!
Remember, if at times you are feeling overwhelmed, that is quite OK-the supportive community of parents, advocates, and organizations all work in conjunction to make the world a safer place for kids with food allergies. You are never alone!
At Allergy Apparel, we believe safety and inclusion go hand in hand. Whether through education, awareness, or tools to help carry emergency meds, we've got your back.
Wishing you a safe, stress-free, and love-filled Valentine's Day!