Teaching your child about food allergies

Photo courtesy of the BugaBees.com

School is right around the corner; can you think of a better time to educate your child about food allergies? 

The Internet offers us endless opportunities and ideas to educate our kiddo's without leaving our homes.    Options range from flashcards, music, books, DVD's, and more.

Amazon also offers numerous options. Some of our favorite books are "the BugaBees friends with food allergies,   "Nutty Scurries to School," and "No Nuts for Nutty, " and the DVD, "Binky Goes Nuts."

A preferred book in our household,  "the Bugabees friends with food allergies"  has cute, vibrant, and colorful illustrations.  It is story of 8 friends who have different food challenges.  Each bug has a different allergy and teaches your child to ask: What's in my food? Is it safe for me? It is an interactive (no batteries!) book that tells a story but also gives you the opportunity to ask your children questions about symptoms, which foods are safe, and about reactions, and suggested answers. For more information, visit www.thebugabees.com.  A portion of the proceeds from this book helps fund programs dedicated to food allergy research, treatment, and prevention.

"Nutty Scurries to School, and "No Nuts for Nutty" are also amongst admired books in our home.  Written by Stacy Fisher and illustrated by Amy Paner, local Virginian Moms,  they tell the tale of an allergic squirrel. Looking for a way to educate others are your school? These books are helpful, entertaining, and informative.

PBS's Arthur's Binky has a nut allergy and you can learn about his experiences on the DVD, "Binky Goes Nuts."  When Binky finds out he has a nut allergy he has a lot of questions: Will he be forced to live without Chinese food? Will he ever again be able to eat with his friends? Binky learns to be well informed and to understand his allergy.  Bonus: The DVD includes downloadable educational materials including background information, classroom activities, and more, in English and in Spanish.

Kyle Dine, a Canadian musician empowers and enlightens others about food allergies through his music.  Learn more about Kyle's music. 

Beyond a peanut has a selection of products and offers Dr's, schools, and child care centers at a discount.  Their products range from flashcards, safety check stickers, DVD's, music, and more. 

Another helpful way to raise awareness amonst your childs school and classroom is apparel.  Allergy Apparel offers trendy clothing for your child with a food allergy.  Find out more about Allergy Apparel and their FUNctional and hip t-shirts, hooded pullovers, buttons, and more.