Recognizing and Managing Food Allergy Anxiety in Kids

Welcome to the latest episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. In this episode, we continue our series on food allergies, examining at how anxiety shows up in food allergy kids. 

This podcast helps parents understand what is going on and what they can do to help. Co-hosts Kortney and board-certified allergist Payel Gupta, MD, are joined by Kelsey Mora, a certified child life specialist and licensed therapist who works with children and families navigating food allergies. Together, they break down what food allergy anxiety looks like in kids and how parents can help their child build confidence and independence from a young age.

Check out the podcast on ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere!

Listen to Food Allergy Anxiety in Kids Podcast

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Thank you to Genentech and Kaléo for supporting this episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Key Takeaways About Managing Food Allergy Anxiety in Kids

Kids with food allergies deal with a lot of things that feel out of their control. Helping them feel informed, included and capable can makes a real difference.

• Food allergy anxiety does not always look like anxiety. Tantrums, clinginess, and acting out in other areas can all be signs that a child is dealing with the stress of managing a food allergy.
• How you talk about food allergies matters. Using positive words and giving your kids a feeling of control will help them feel less worried or sad.
• Separation anxiety and food allergies are connected. Children with food allergies can become very dependent on their parents, which makes everyday situations like school and parties harder to handle alone.
• Practicing independence at home builds real-world skills. Letting kids practice safe behavior around their allergen at home gives them the confidence they need everywhere else.
• Transferring your anxiety onto your child. When parents are anxious, kids have a harder time calming down.

Timestamps From Our Podcast on Food Allergy Anxiety in Kids

02:05 – Emotional responses after a reaction

05:20 – When is anxiety obvious

08:37 – Explaining food allergy severity to kids

11:04 – Resources for kids

13:27 – Separation anxiety and food allergies

15:39 – Exposing kids to allergens at home

19:28 – Getting comfortable around allergens

24:06 – Anxiety and coping skills with OIT

33:00 – Involving kids in treatment decisions

More Resources About Food Allergy Anxiety in Kids

• Mental health and living with food allergies 
• Food allergies in babies and toddlers 
• Living with food allergies
• Child Life Therapist, Kelsey’s practice and services: The method workbooks from Kelsey
• Kelsey’s book recommendations

More podcasts you may be interested in

• Food Allergy Bullying: How to Talk to Your Child and the School
• Did I Cause My Child’s Food Allergy?
• Food Allergies in School: A School Nurse’s Perspective
• Food Allergy Treatments: What to Ask Your Doctor
• Boundaries and Communication in Food Allergy Families