Dear Allergy Parents,
I want to start by acknowledging you. Well, that’s not entirely accurate. I can only imagine what your experience must be like. The truth is, I don’t know what it feels like to be a parent of a child with allergies.
I can’t fathom the daily anxiety you endure, constantly worrying about what your child might encounter when they’re away from you—like a peanut butter sandwich accidentally coming into contact with their lunch. I haven’t experienced the rush to the hospital due to an allergic reaction, watching in horror as your child struggles to breathe or breaks out in hives.
I am unfamiliar with the exhausting conversations you have with restaurant staff, debating whether that hamburger bun contains eggs or if the mixed veggies include peas. I’ve never filled out school forms with a cramp in my hand, anxiety gnawing at me that the form could be lost or overlooked. I don’t know the stress of choosing a purse based on whether it can hold an EpiPen, or the fleeting panic when you think you lost that lifesaving device—only to find it buried beneath a pack of tissues.
So, no, I don’t know what it’s like to be an allergy parent. However, I do know what it means to love your child fiercely.
I understand the deep protectiveness that can make you want to keep your child by your side forever, while also knowing that parenting means guiding them toward independence. I know the desire for your child to thrive, to be joyful and courageous. I recognize the intensity of love you pour into your parenting.
While I may not fully grasp the challenges you face, I promise to do my best to support you. I will approach your child’s dietary needs with understanding, focusing on what they can eat rather than what they can’t. I’m willing to make extra trips to find that special brand of cookies that your child can enjoy. I’ll listen attentively as you explain your child’s allergies when they visit our home. I’ll make a conscious effort to ask about any allergies before sharing meals.
Moreover, I will respect my child’s lunch choices to avoid peanut butter and trail mix so that your little one won’t have to eat alone. I will remember that you, like all parents, are doing everything you can to keep your child safe.
While I may not know what it’s like to navigate the world as an allergy parent, I understand the depth of your love. It is a love that unites us all.
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In summary, while I can’t fully understand your daily reality, I share in your profound love for your children and commit to doing my part to support you.