Our friends at kidswithfoodallergies.org, have written a great post about some fun ways for children to be able to learn about food allergies. Check it out below!
Teaching your child about food allergies is an important part of keeping them safe. Young children can start to learn about food allergies at a young age. This knowledge will give them confidence with self-managing their food allergies as they get older.
Here are some resources created just for kids to help them learn more about food allergies. The links below include books, videos, games, music and classroom resources.
1. Ally and Andy’s Activity Book
This coloring and activity book from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA) gives children and families a basic understanding of food allergies, as well as asthma. It is a fun way for children to learn about food allergies. It has word finds, crossword puzzles, word scrambles, mazes and other activities. It also has a story to read and color and a list of websites on allergies and asthma for parents and kids. This book is available as a free PDF download, or you can purchase a print version.
2. Arthur Family Health: Food Allergies
Arthur, a popular PBS character, and his friends offer several resources to help your little one understand food allergies. Their site has information for adults and kids, games, activities and videos. It also includes a link to an Arthur episode on food allergies, “Binky Goes Nuts.”
3. We Bare Bears (Cartoon Network)
Panda, one of the main characters on the “We Bare Bears” cartoon, has a peanut allergy. His allergy is a common part of the story line. The cartoon shows the characters avoiding peanuts and using epinephrine auto-injectors to treat allergic reactions.
Note: this show does show characters having anaphylactic reactions. Even though it handles reactions positively, you might want to watch it first if your child is alarmed by seeing reactions on TV.
4. Wizdy Diner App
Widzy Diner helps your child learn about food allergies through this smartphone game. Characters choose safe foods for diner patrons based on their food allergies. It’s available for iOS and Android devices.
5. Kyle Dine, The Allergy Guy
Kyle Dine shares uses music to teach kids and families about food allergies. His site offers activity pages you can download, as well as CDs and DVDs you can buy.
6. Mr. Nose-It-All’s Food Allergy Bubble Game
Teach your child how to identify the food they are allergic to through this online game from American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Use Mr. Nose-It-All to pop bubbles that contain unsafe foods.
7. Books
Daniel Has an Allergy
Daniel is allergic to peaches. With help from his dad and his doctor, Daniel learns how to manage his food allergy at home and at school. Use this book as a way to start a conversation with your child about managing their allergy.
Other Books on Food Allergies – Approved by KFA
You can find a number of children’s books on food allergies on Amazon. Here are several that have been reviewed and approved by our Medical-Scientific Council.
8. School Resources
Share these school resources with your child’s teacher and school staff to help spread food allergy awareness and keep kids with food allergies safe.
Teal Classroom™ Kit
Forty-five percent of severe allergic reactions in schools begin in the classroom. A Teal Classroom encourages being safe and inclusive for everyone with food allergies. Share this guide with your child’s teacher, school nurse and administrators as a resource to raise food allergy awareness in your child’s school. This book is available as a free PDF download, or you can purchase a print version.
Kindergarten Teacher Turns Food Allergies Into a Teachable Moment
One teacher taught her students about food allergies using a simple, yet fun, activity. Download copies of the activity to share with your child’s teacher.
Potential Food Allergens in School Crafts and Activities
Did you know some craft supplies and school activities can have hidden food allergens? Use our list to know what allergens to watch for. You can also use the list to teach your child to identify possible allergens in items like play dough. Or share your list with your child’s teacher as you work together to make their classroom safe.
Make rice play dough free from the Top 8 food allergens using our recipe from our Safe Eats® Allergy-Friendly Recipes database.