A Can Do Mom

Food allergies are more than just an inconvenience. For some families, they are a life-altering, daily reality that requires constant vigilance. The stakes are high because for those with severe allergies, even a tiny amount of the wrong food can trigger a reaction, sometimes life-threatening. In our home, we know this all too well. My youngest daughter is anaphylactic to peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. That means exposure to even trace amounts could send her into anaphylaxis. We live in a world where those foods or traces of them seem to be everywhere, and keeping her safe is a 24/7 job. The Top 9 Allergens The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identifies nine major food allergens: Peanuts Tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, and hazelnuts) Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.) Fish (like salmon, tuna, cod) Milk Eggs Soy Wheat Sesame These nine are responsible for the majority of severe allergic reactions in the United ...

Implementing the proper safety rules for kids at home can save your kiddos from a variety of dangerous situations. That’s why I wanted to dedicate an entire post to this topic and cover ten rules that I think are especially important. Starting with… 1. Never Open the Door for Strangers “Stranger danger” applies even when you're at home. Be sure to teach your children never to open the door for someone they don't know. Give them a clear plan to follow in this situation such as staying quiet, keeping away from the doors and windows, and going to get (or call) a parent immediately. 2. Don’t Play or Climb on Furniture It’s obvious to adults why climbing bookshelves or tall furniture is dangerous, but kids don’t instinctively understand this. Make it clear that climbing is not allowed. Also, anchor heavy furniture to the wall if possible and avoid storing items your child needs in high places they’ll be tempted to climb for them. Jumping on furniture like couches and beds may...