Around the U.S., school days are winding down, if they are not over already! As a parent of a child with food allergies, there are a few remaining items on your to-do list.
Is your child's class having an end-of-year party or field day activity? Make sure there is something on the menu your child can enjoy.
On the last day of school, collect your child’s unused medication from the school nurse. This includes epinephrine autoinjectors, and possibly other medicines as well, such as asthma rescue inhalers and antihistamine.
If the medicine is still good, you can give it to a summer camp if your child is attending one. Or, take it along as extras if you are going on vacation – it is always a good idea to have extras handy when you are far from home.
If the nurse or a teacher had emergency food (like in case your child forgot lunch) or a safe snack stash, pick that up as well.
Don’t forget to think ahead to the beginning of the next school year. Your school nurse will need new medical authorization forms and emergency action plans for the next school year. Make sure you have your annual allergist appointment scheduled before next school year begins. Many parents take their children to allergy appointments during the summer so kids don’t miss school.
Thank your school staff for a great year, and then go relax and have fun!