6. Carry an allergy ID. Talk with your teen about wearing a MedicAlert bracelet/necklace or carrying a card with listed allergies, possible reactions and emergency numbers in their wallet or purse. Or encourage the, to carry both. Again, this should feel like their choice, not a demand from you.
7. Keep updated medications. Remind your teen to carry their up-to-date meds at all times, even to class, even to parties. Especially to parties. Get them a new cool carrying case just for the occasion; something you can purchase together.
8. Check the college's food program. Before you go, investigate your college foodservice's food allergy awareness program. Most college campuses have these programs set up, but it never hurts to have a quick conversation with the head of the program and your teen, about what their needs are and what the capabilities of foodservice is. Let your teen guide this conversation and get to know the kitchen staff by name. (The kitchen ladies at my very small college all knew me by name; they would even make me lemon and honey drinks when I had a cold.) If the college food program seems sketchy to you, consider going out of plan so your child can cook or prepare meals in his or her room, assuming there's access to cooking facilities, a stove, microwave or fridge.
College is a time of great learning, stretching and growing on multiple levels. How to take care of one's food allergies away from one's safe zone is a great skill to encourage, as is the independence that comes along with it.
Other Back-To-School Food Allergy Tips:
Get Ready for School! Tips for Parents of Children With Food Allergies
Let Them Eat Cake: Cooking for Food Allergic Children
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