How do you help your child go from knowing they have a food allergy to actually managing it in everyday life?

This is the stage when everything starts to shift. Between the ages of 5 and 11, your child is learning how to describe symptoms, speak up at school, and navigate birthday parties. They’re also watching you closely and picking up how to talk about food allergies based on how you do it.

In this episode of our Food Allergy Stages & Stages Series, pediatric allergist and immunologist Dr. Dave Stukus joins Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta to talk about how food allergy care changes in the early school years. 

Episode 4 in our “Food Allergies: Ages & Stages” series 

Across six episodes, we explore how food allergies show up and shift through different phases of life, from introducing solids in infancy to navigating school and adapting in adulthood. We’re here with evidence-based info, expert insights, and lived experience to guide you through it all.

Made in partnership with the Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genentech and Aquestive for sponsoring today’s episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Timestamps

01:42 Breaking down food allergy care by age group

02:58 What kids need to know about living with food allergies

04:47 Sharing allergy information without creating fear

06:40 Talking to children about symptoms

08:40 What to tell kids about epinephrine

11:04 Helping kids without passing on fear or anxiety

13:18 Mental health signs related to food allergies

16:04 Managing allergens in the home environment

19:50 The pros and cons of allergy tables at school

21:42 Communicating with schools and daycares

25:29 Preparing for parties and sleepovers

27:33 Final tips for parenting kids with food allergies (ages 5–11)