What I may be thinking…

What I could be thinking…

• I understand everything about food allergy reactions because I have experienced or managed them.

• Though I have experienced or managed allergic reactions, each person may experience food allergies differently.

• Why don’t they just go to an allergist instead of dealing with a pediatrician?

• Not everyone understands the significance of having food allergies managed by a board-certified allergist. Sometimes costs or availability are barriers to access. Or they may not know what to do. Maybe we can discuss benefits of working with an allergist.

• They are too cautious. My family eats out as long as we ask questions and carry our medications. They limit themselves too much.

• It’s ok for people to have different safety tolerances. Just because I feel comfortable eating out doesn’t mean others have to. The goal is for us all to be safe. Their allergies, history of reactions, and other medical issues are things I don’t know about. It’s not fair to judge them.

• My child has one allergy, so that is the only thing I am considering at their party because others don’t have to come if it’s too much for them.

• Let me consider my child’s feelings about friendships and relationships with others while I plan this party. My child deserves to have his/her/their friends and/or family by their side while celebrating their special day. I want to make this safe for everyone. I should contact parents individually, so everyone is included.

• My child is too strict with their kids’ diets. We ate everything back in my day. It’s not fair that they don’t bring them to see me just because I don’t believe in this food allergy stuff.

• Even if I don’t fully understand food allergies, the safety of my grandchildren comes first. Spending time with them is more important than trying to be right because times have changed. I can change too.

• I'm a medical professional, educator, certified childcare professional etc. and I know about food allergies.

• Things change all the time. The way people managed food allergies 10 years ago is not the same now. Treatment methods change. I should rely on information from the person’s emergency plan to help me stay informed about how to deal with them while in my care. Even though I am in ‘xyz’ profession, I don’t specialize in food allergy, so I’m open to learning.