Our family lives with 1 kid with an anaphylactic allergy (berries), 3 kids with a dairy intolerance, and 3 kids with Celiac Disease, so we eat gluten-free (no wheat, rye, oats, barley). We aren't alone. Everyone now knows at least one person with a food allergy, Celiac disease, or other dietary restriction. As our world becomes more and more aware of allergies, our kids need to know how to help their friends feel welcome. As parents, we need to model allergy-friendly behavior as well.

Here are some tips to help all children feel welcome:

• Schedule park playdates before or after lunch, rather than during lunch
• Require your children to wash their hands (or use a wipe) after they eat
• Try not to bring peanut and tree nut snacks to the park - the peanut proteins stay on the bars for months
• Ask parents about food allergies before opening your park snacks
• Talk to the parents of children with allergies about how sensitive their child is: will they react to touch? smell? only by eating? Each child is unique.
• Try to bring snacks that are safe for all - a few minutes of inconvenience for you can mean the world to a child living with an allergy. Fresh fruit and raw veggies are gluten-free, very healthy and less likely to be an allergy trigger
• Encourage your children to try new foods, and model this - a lot of "special" food is especially good!
• Spread the word about a child's allergies so there isn't a mix-up with one of the playdate families
• Talk to your children about doing what is right. Just as we would accomodate a child in a wheelchair, we will accomodate children with allergies, and make it a good experience for everyone.

Children are open and accepting when they are young. Try to put the focus on helping your child's friend feel comfortable, and it will be easy for your children to accomodate their friend. Let's support our children as they grow into wonderful and accepting people!

There is a wonderful book by by Gloria Koster, illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler called The Peanut-free Cafe, which is a wonderful resource for kids learning about food allergies.