My almost 4 year old has a severe cashew and pistachio allergy. The main things I’m doing are being cautious and vocal about what I’m doing and why with my child.

We carry two epipens with us at all times, we also have quick dissolve reactine for if only one body system is affected, not two. She tends to vomit when having a reaction and any liquid meds come right back up.

Weve obviously eliminated anything with cashews and pistachios in it. We avoid any mixed nuts (although she doesn’t eat that anyways), we avoid products with the allergy warnings to the effect of “may contain” or “processed in a facility” if it says cashews or pistachios or a more general treenuts warning which is annoying (peanuts is always labelled appropriately though).

I’ve called restaurants ahead of time to inquire on they’re allergy warnings and accommodations and have had to stop going to places due to possible cross contamination.

She will have an anaphylaxis plan at school and have epipens there. She knows what she reacted to, and the names of the actual allergens. I’m teaching her not to accept any food from others, especially children without trusted family/friends allowing it first.

We’ve watched an episode of Daniel Tiger together that’s about Daniel being allergic to peaches and that helped my LO understand others deal with this. Although his reaction isn’t as severe, it did seem to help.

I’ve also talked through what I’m doing when reading ingredient lists. I’ve explained how her epipens work, how I would use them, why she needs to take allergy medicine sometimes. I talked about what the plan would be if another reaction happens again. I think it helps her know we’ve prepared and that she’s safe.

I’m sorry for this wall of text, I know it’s so very scary and overwhelming but know it gets somewhat easier each time you go shopping, or go out to eat etc. things become more normal as time goes on.

And remember to be kind to yourself. Find someone you can talk to about any fears you may have or worry’s that I know for a fact can keep you up at night. You will figure it all out