Eating in a public place is dicey with any toddler.  They're loud, they're unpredictable and they tend to throw things like food and tantrums.  However, despite knowing all of this millions of families still manage to eat out in public with them every day.  We, as parents of kids with serious food allergies, should have the same right in inflict our little tyrannical toddlers on the wider world of peaceable diners as every other parent.  Here's how our family manages it safely.

This article is written by Jen R., a guest blogger and grown up "Food Allergic Kid" with some great insights on living with severe food allergies and still having a life...

Why the Peanut Planters Man is My Nemesis

So Lissa asked me to pull together some of my experiences and tips about being allergic to nuts since I was very young. We first found out in Lissa's Mecca (i.e. Disney World) when I was two and given a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. When I was very young, my reaction was primarily hives and swelling. After each accidental exposure over the next twenty something years, the reaction became much worse and the time I had to treat myself or get to the emergency room shortened.

If your child's allergies are severe enough to require you to carry an auto-injector of epinephrine like EpiPen or Twinject then you need to know that these medications expire.  It's a good idea to mark your calendar or set up an automatic reminded on your computer, cell phone, or PDA for the month of expiration on EACH of your injectors.  This includes any that you bring in to keep at school or daycare!!

I know it's expensive to refill these medications, but this isn't an area where you want to cut corners.  Always be sure your meds are up to date and read the instructions on how to properly store them.  Read our article on giving the shot for more information.

Money saving tip: keep an eye out for offers from different pharmacies for gift cards for a new or transferred prescription.  Save them for when it's time to replace your meds and get a nice price break!