Strategies for Avoiding a Reaction

The title "strategies for avoiding a reaction" suggests that there's a little wiggle room on whether the strategies have to be used or not. I also don't like the word "avoid," either, because it also implies that avoidance is somehow optional a small percentage of the time.

Chloe's life depends on not having a reaction to unsafe foods. Chloe's life depends on 100% use of the strategies.

When I'm tired or stressed, or have a zillion things going on, I go into strategy overdrive--that is, I use the strategies that promise 100% avoidance, such as everyone eating the same Chloe-safe meal, or not giving milk out to anyone, even at the table.

The strategies listed below are the reality when Chloe is around. Luckily, it's so easy to turn them into a positive thing so that it becomes a life-affirming reality, instead of restrictive and confining.

STRATEGIES TO AVOID AN ALLERGIC REACTION

VIGILANCE, check what she’s eating or drinking all the time, check ingredients, check recipes, double and triple check. If there’s ANY doubt, don’t give it to her.

Let everyone around her--kids, adults, anyone that may come into contact with her know DON’T SHARE FOOD. There should be one person to go to who is in “charge” to ask, or to give her food/drinks. *** Even though she says “milk” she does not get milk, she means RICE MILK!!

Don’t give Andrew milk in a sippy cup to walk around with. Give it to him in an open cup and have him sit at a high table until he’s finished. Don’t let him walk around with non-Chloe-safe food.

Or, Don’t give Andrew milk at all—give both kids juice. He will survive without milk for a while.

Give both kids a Chloe-safe snack such as dry rice or corn cereal, and fruit.

Check around the house constantly to make sure there is nothing dropped or left out for her to get into, including dog or cat food.

Structure eating time around a table, rather than running/sitting around with snacks.

Use only fresh ingredients, not canned or processed items. Keep seasonings/flavorings to salt/pepper, sugar, herbs, vegetable-based oils.

Make a separate plate for Chloe’s food, then place food from that plate onto her tray. Use separate utensils.

Start an unopened jar of jam and use a clean knife every time to avoid crumbs/butter.

Cook meal ingredients separately and then mix a Chloe-safe batch before mixing in non-safe ingredients for everyone else.

Use a Sharpie to label sippy cups with names or names of beverages.

Don’t leave chips/crackers/snacks or beverages out.

Check for dropped pieces of food or spilled milk in play areas.

Giving Chloe rice chex, rice dream and fruit for supper, putting her to bed, and then having a non-Chloe-safe meal afterward is perfectly acceptable.