if your dc has epipen for severe allergy how do you deal with invites to friends for tea after school??

[brimfull]

ds is in yr 1
he has been to friends for tea plenty of times but they are close friends that know how to deal with his allergy and epipen.
He is going in wednesday to a classmates.
Have already told the mum about allergy to nuts .I need to go through the epipen with her .
How and what do you explain to other parents about your dc's allergy?

[brimfull]

bump

[SuperSillyus]

I avoid it like the plague. I know some of the mums are not happy to have the responsibility of the epipen and at birthday parties I hang about or stay nearby.

It is tricky.

[brimfull]

oh ok thanks

anyone else?

[SuperSillyus]

When it does arise, I try to reassure people that it is just a precaution, but the epipen has to go where the child goes. You can get a practice epipen and I keep meaning to get one -would be handy.
I always say I'll be there in a flash if there were any problems and I keep my phone by me.
I sometimes send a packed lunch/tea too.

[DesperateHousewifeToo]

DS has nut and egg allergy.

I always mention it to the parents when they invite ds over (although after 3 years with the same classmates, they all know now).

I meet them in the morning at school and hand over his little rucksac. Inside that is a tupperware box with small bottle of piriton, epipen, inhaler and hydrocortisone cream. I go through symptoms of when to use piriton/epipen and talk through how to use epipen. I also have my contact numbers on some paper in the box.

I offer to send food if the parents want this but in 3 years, I've only had one mum who wanted me to send food (to a perty). Sometimes they want suggestions of what to give him which is quite easy.

Hope you ds enjoys his tea date

[brimfull]

right thanks that's helpful

will make up a rucksack for him .

I have a practice epipen but have lost the grey lid..must order a new one

[Hodgins]

If it's any help, I can offer an opinion from the other side. My DD has made a new friend this year and he has a severe nut allergy and carries epipen wherever he goes.

I was a bit nervous when he first came round for tea but I found it helped that his mum told me some of the common things he can eat without any worry. She also told me how to use the epipen and said, bottom line is, get the epipen administered and call an ambulance.

Knowing how severe his allergy is makes me super cautious with anything I feed him and if I'm not sure, I don't give it to him. Mum usually sends a contibution of something for dessert as a thank you - that way I know it's safe - I have found desserts the hardest.

[selfevidentnamechange]

I would second Hodgins.

I think you will find that from Reception the other kids will know if someone has an epi pen and exactly to what they are allergic. IMHE The child also seems to know when to question something.

Demonstrate how to use the epi pen to the mother on the day your child is going round there. I always prefer to have a quick refresher so that it is at the forefront of my mind and I cannot see any mother refusing to listen to the explaination again.

Detail your order of priorities, for the particular children that come round here it is epi pen, call ambulance and then call mother.

Said children always seem to bring round a packet of biscuits (or pud) of some sort - again because that can be one of the biggest minefields.

[tatt]

Used to explain how to use pen, demonstrate with practise pen, offer plate of food or sheet or paper explaining suitable food. Asked them not to mind if child checks labels, explaining that this is something we do to teach them to manage their allergy themself.

I always asked the parent to try the practise pen against their own leg having explained that is has no needle and demonstrated on myself. Sometimes I'd send a dessert, explaining that its often the hardest part.

We have had children here (at the same time) who had problems with gluten, dairy and nut. Coping with nuts, dairy and egg is not impossible and would be a doodle after that, especially if you send dessert.

It's always easier if a child has been to your house first and can then explain to their mother what they've seen your child eat.

[tatt]

Used to explain how to use pen, demonstrate with practise pen, offer plate of food or sheet or paper explaining suitable food. Asked them not to mind if child checks labels, explaining that this is something we do to teach them to manage their allergy themself.

I always asked the parent to try the practise pen against their own leg having explained that is has no needle and demonstrated on myself. Sometimes I'd send a dessert, explaining that its often the hardest part.

We have had children here (at the same time) who had problems with gluten, dairy and nut. Coping with nuts, dairy and egg is not impossible and would be a doodle after that, especially if you send dessert.

It's always easier if a child has been to your house first and can then explain to their mother what they've seen your child eat.

[brimfull]

great advice thanks

especially about taking dessert...hmm we never have dessert.
Some biscuits maybe.

[brimfull]

oh I know ,will make some flapjacks