How Parents of Kids Without Allergies Can Be Mindful of Kids with Allergies

iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — With back-to-school comes tricky situations: lunch tables, birthday parties — and food allergies.

Even if your child doesn’t have food allergies, it’s often a sensitive topic for parents.  Parents of kids with allergies want to make sure their children are protected, and parents of kids without allergies often have no idea what the proper protocol is when it comes to sending food to school.

“Allergy parents,” as they’re sometimes called, are well-aware of foods that may pose a danger — as well as foods that aren’t in themselves harmful to their kids, but may be contaminated by foods that are, made in the same facility.

What’s more, even if their kid is aware of what they can and can’t eat, there’s always the possibility of error, especially in the younger grades, and in schools that don’t have an official policy when it comes to potentially dangeous foods.

However, parents of kids without allergies can help.  While some may say it’s not their problem, it’s in everyone’s best interest that both the school and all parents understand the problem, and are sensitive to the needs of children with food allergies.

ABC News asked Kara Corridan, Health Director at Parents magazine, for her top tips for parents of kids without allergies to help protect their kids’ classmates: 

• First, teach your own children to respect the way other kids eat, whether they’ve been diagnosed with an allergy or not, says Corridan. At least one-third of children with food allergies are bullied for their allergies, so educating your children that their classmates’ food may look different and that their food choices need to be respected is a good first step.

• Communication is key. If your school doesn’t have an official policy on foods your child can bring to school, ask to speak to the nurse or an advisor to find out if there are any products they’d prefer you not send to school, such as peanut butter. Corridan says restrictions may be on a case-by-case basis, so it’s best to find out if there are kids in your child’s class with an allergy.

• If you’re hosting a party, be proactive and send a text or email to let a parent of a child with allergies know what you’re serving. Consider asking what a safe alternative is and offer to bring that option for their child. If you’re providing a classroom snack or treats, ask the teacher if anyone has a food allergy and what is safe for that child to eat.

• When having a child to your home, make sure you have an over-the-counter antihistamine on hand — such as Benadryl or Zyrtec — in case of a reaction, Corridan suggests. If you suspect a food has caused a mild reaction — such as a few hives or nasal congestion — give a dose of antihistamine and call the doctor. For a more severe reaction, call 911.

• Corridan says the most common foods to which that kids are allergic are peanuts, milk, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, fin fish, wheat, and soy. When sending a treat or snack, consider a healthy alternative to processed foods and go with fresh fruit, popsicles, or veggies with dip.

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