I have done my very best to keep my son Robert safe from his food allergy. It breaks my heart that he is “different” because of his allergy. My opinion is that you teach your child, early on, that he is different and try to teach him to make accommodations for himself, instead of expecting the world to do it for him.
You will run into families that want to change the world. Many expect schools to implement plans to become allergen free. Some try to change legislation to make the government responsible for their child’s safety. Others just like to complain. My first priority, in the early years, was to devote my time and attention to my child. Educating those around Robert, about his allergy, how to keep him safe and how to respond to a reaction is in my mind, was the best way to keep him safe. Having a food allergy is a lifestyle change and our way of life.
I am not discounting the work that others have done to create awareness for food allergies. My priority was to focus solely on my child.