It’s easy to walk into a classroom and see the posted “allergy” sign and be tempted to roll your eyes or overlook it. Food allergies can appear exaggerated, especially in a world where dietary preferences are often confused with medical needs. But please, I beg you, as a parent of a kiddo with severe food allergies, care about what you see and read. Obey the signs. A child’s life depends on your diligence.
We first learned of our middle daughter’s food allergies when she was only 18 months old. We were at a Christmas party, and like any toddler, she was eager to sample the treats. She grabbed a brownie, and none of us thought twice until we realized it contained walnuts. What happened next was terrifying.
By God’s grace, there was a pediatric nurse at the party who calmly walked us through what to do, step by step. Looking back, I still feel waves of gratitude for her presence in that moment. That day marked the beginning of a long journey for our family.
The testing that followed was grueling. Tiny arms were pricked with dozens of needles testing for allergens, and blood draws felt overwhelming for someone so little. We discovered not only life-threatening food allergies but also sensitivities to environmental triggers and even certain vaccines. From that point forward, vigilance became a part of our daily lives. Reading every label. Asking every question. Double-checking every ingredient list, every menu, every party invitation.
When she was young, the anxiety was constant. People often did not understand the seriousness of her allergies. Well-meaning friends and relatives would say, “Oh, this food should be fine,” not realizing that even cross-contact could trigger anaphylaxis. Birthday parties and school celebrations were especially hard. So many moments that were supposed to be carefree ended up being filled with worry and the painful reality of her feeling left out because the food was not safe for her.
To all educators and parents: I beg you, when you are planning a celebration, a classroom treat, or even a small gathering, please remember the children who live with allergies. Their safety is not optional, and neither is their inclusion. No child should feel excluded because of food. These days, there are so many allergy-friendly options that everyone can enjoy together. Some of our favorites are Partake, Made Good, Sweet Loren’s, and even gluten free Oreos (believe it or not!). A little thoughtfulness goes a very long way in helping kids with allergies feel seen, safe, and included.
Now, as a teenager, my daughter is learning to advocate for herself in ways that make me so proud. She speaks up about her allergies, asks the questions, and sets boundaries. She has endured monthly allergy shots for her environmental triggers and is now receiving Xolair to help lower her reactions to foods. Her courage amazes me.
And yet, I would be lying if I said the anxiety is gone for me as her mom. What if a future date eats a tree nut and kisses her? What if she is at a restaurant without me and something is cross-contaminated? The what-ifs are endless, but instead of letting them consume me, they drive me back to one truth: I cannot keep her safe on my own. I have to entrust her into God’s care each and every day, trusting His protection when I cannot be by her side.
Parenting a child with severe allergies has also deepened my faith. Each day, I am reminded that as much as I want to, I cannot control every environment she walks into. I cannot hover over every meal or monitor every interaction. What I can do is teach her, support her, advocate alongside her, and most of all, entrust her into God’s care.
It is a daily act of surrender. I pray over her safety, over her future, and over her health. I remind myself that the same God who knit her together in my womb is the One who watches over her still. And while the world may always feel risky for someone with anaphylaxis, I cling to the truth that she is safest in His hands.
Allergies may always be part of her story, but they do not define who she is. She is brave, resilient, brilliant, and deeply loved. And God’s hand has been faithful over her life from the very first reaction at that Christmas party until now.
God’s grace is big enough for our fears, steady enough for our worries, and faithful enough to carry both us and our children through.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7
For any parent walking this road, I see you. It is exhausting, and sometimes it feels isolating. But you are not alone.
Grace in the Disarray 