Having food allergies can cause social and emotional responses that could include:
- Increased stress
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Anger/frustration
- Sadness/depression
- Guilt
- Denial
- Embarrassment
- Sibling rivalry
- Teasing/harassment*
- Bullying*
*Teasing, harassment, and bullying of children with food allergies is common
Positive Social and Emotional Tips
- Children with food allergies are like any other children, except they have to be careful what they eat
- Listen and allow the children to talk about their feelings
- Provide encouragement: to help the children speak up for their own health and safety
- Educate others: All children should be taught about food allergies to increase peer compassion
- Respond to teasing, harassment, and bullying — zero tolerance