{Guest Post} School: Time to Step Back and Review by Caroline of Grateful Foodie

Awhile ago, I asked my friend, Caroline of Grateful Foodie (who is one of the most amazing food allergy advocates I know), if she'd share some invaluable tips for parents and guardians when it comes to making the school year safe and successful for their allergic loved ones.  She graciously agreed (She's awesome!), and today I am happy to have her as my guest sharing said tips!  I hope you'll find the information as helpful as I have.

 

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School: Time to Step Back and Review

School has been in full swing, and it is time to step back and evaluate all of the plans you’ve set in place. Are they working? Many of us have 504 plans in place that support important accommodations for our children’s health and well-being. Before the holidays and vacation time kick in, fall is the perfect time to gear up food allergy safety. In our family, the most stressful times at school surrounded celebrations and the return from vacation. Patterns and schedules get off balance and it seems as if all food allergy accommodations go out of the window!

Now is the perfect time to pause, evaluate and adjust. Here are some tips:

• Ask for a meeting with your child’s teacher or other school staff that are key to your child’s health and safety.
• Discuss what is working on the 504 plan.
• Inquire if there are any suggestions or recommendations.
• Have there been events and celebrations?  Analyze what could be updated or revised.
     
• Plan the rest of winter and into spring.
• Discuss upcoming parties, special projects, field trips and celebrations.
• Will you be able to participate or offer safe suggestions for upcoming events and parties?
• The holidays can be stressful, so consider different approaches to reducing your biggest school stressor, before things get tough.
• This is the perfect time to remind all parties involved about the importance of inclusion and communication.  Discuss how your child will be included.
     
• Check out your child’s lunch box, napkins, etc.Make sure they are still working okay. I once missed that my son had grown and needed larger food containers and he was cramming food into small spaces.
     
• Check in with your child to see how their epinephrine-auto-injector carriers or holders are working. Looks for rips, tears or worn out straps.
    
• Make a plan or the holiday and vacation season with your child. What is the plan if they are at school and there are unsafe treats? How will play dates be handled? Review your policy and who and how snacks are deemed safe, with your child.
     
• Thank EVERYONE on your child’s “team” who work to follow policy and keep him or her safe. A heart felt handwritten note goes a long way. It is critical to keep reinforcing how important their time and energy is to your family.

Planning ahead and checking in periodically are key. Food allergies are so easy to brush off as being “self-managed” when everything is working. BUT,  this is the exact moment that we truly need focus and pay closer attention.

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You can connect with Caroline at the following locations:

Grateful Foodie

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LinkedIn

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Thanks for being my guest today, Caroline!

Here's a badge for you, if you'd like to use it.

<a href="http://naturalandfree.blogspot.com/ "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjncaHjnrCo5r3FOqrCCQ7e3DT5tFINQz1dcyc89keYMFow332Lsj7_teWAc121b8UjPPbwtao_OEZRMGefkJKvW1pzQM8uePfIk-SLKP3AODdTjvCBH7tTu2tICz_X32Z_iE__jkLWkz1/s144/fallguestbadge.jpg" /></a>


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Before you go, take a moment to leave Caroline some comment love below or ask her a question.  Better yet, hop over to her site, Grateful Foodie, and check it out!  You won't regret it!

(This post was originally posted on my original site, Natural and Free.)