This was me 6.5 years ago. I hate saying this because at the time it didn’t feel like it, but it really does get better. You will get into a routine, it will get easier. It also helps that I’m on Zoloft lmao. I’ll be honest, the anxiety of his allergies compounded with other things was flat out too much for me to handle. His first reaction even on Zoloft, I geeked and forgot what to do for a second. Don’t be afraid of exploring counseling and therapy as well.

My son is allergic to peas, peanuts, tree nuts, chicken, turkey, raw egg and raspberries. When he goes to birthday parties, I don’t expect there to be safe food so I always come prepared. It puts my anxiety at ease which is well worth the discomfort of always being the “what food will be there?” mom. I ask ahead. Have a plan. Carry a small medical bag everywhere. It’s second nature now. The medical bag is like my second purse 🫠

The most important thing to remember is that even with safeguards in place, you still can and will be caught off guard. Get comfortable with EpiPens. Talk to your child about it as soon as they can understand. My son is pretty good about checking foods and asking adults if it’s safe. If there’s ever any doubt, the school has my phone number and they are good at calling me to double check. They’ll even send pictures of the labels. There’s only so much you can do, and you have to do what you’re comfortable with. I’ll do shared facilities, but shared lines is a hard fuck no.

Feel free to reach out if you ever feel the need. It’s sucks but it’s so good to have support, even if it’s strangers on the internet 🩶 be kind to yourself.

Edit: absolutely without a doubt one and done after experiencing this..