Managing Food Allergies in Children (Ages 5-11)

Welcome to our new Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. This is the fourth episode of our Food Allergy Ages & Stages series. This episode explores how to manage food allergies in elementary school-aged children ages 5 to 11.

This episode is made in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney are joined by pediatric allergist David Stukus, MD, to talk about how food allergy care changes during the primary school years. Children at this age start to speak up for themselves. They are learning to name their allergens, explain what symptoms feel like, and ask for help when something isn’t right.

You can listen to the podcast at ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere, at:

Special thanks to Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, and Aquestive for sponsoring this podcast episode. All opinions are our own, and sponsorship does not influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is informational and not an endorsement.

How to help school-age kids with food allergies

Elementary school age is the time when children begin to become more independent. They may eat lunch at school, visit friends’ homes, and go to birthday parties. It’s important they learn how to stay safe and feel confident, even when you’re not there.

In this podcast, we share ways to help your child understand their allergy, recognize symptoms, and practice speaking up. We also talk about working with teachers and other parents to keep your child safe in every setting.

Key takeaways for parents of children with food allergies

As children learn to read and communicate more clearly, this is a key time to help them build confidence and safe habits.

  • Teach allergy awareness. Help your child recognize and name what they are allergic to. Teach them how to explain how they feel when something is wrong.
  • Model safe behavior. Show them how to read labels, ask questions, and carry epinephrine.
  • Practice with epinephrine. Use a trainer device at home so they feel comfortable and not afraid.
  • Plan for school and parties. Work with teachers and other parents to create a safe space. Help your child learn what to say in new situations.
  • Support their feelings. Watch for signs of stress, anxiety, or food avoidance, and talk openly about how they feel.

Timestamps for ‘Managing Food Allergies in Children’ Podcast

01:42 – Why do we talk about food allergies by age?

02:58 – What kids should know about their allergy

04:47 – How to talk about allergies without scaring your child

06:40 – Talking to kids about allergy symptoms

08:40 – What kids need to know about epinephrine

11:04 – Helping kids without passing on fear

13:18 – Signs your child might feel stressed about their allergy

16:04 – Should you keep the allergen out of your house?

19:50 – Are allergy tables at school helpful?

21:42 – What schools and daycares should know

25:29 – Getting ready for parties and sleepovers

27:33 – Doctor tips for parents of kids with food allergies

Resources for food allergy management in children

More episodes in the Ages & Stages Series 

AAAAI Ages & Stages PDFs