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Food Allergies Eczema
I take care of a child that has severe food allergies. He has anyphalxed several times. It is very stressful?
on everyone in the house. He also has severe environmental allergies with really horrible eczema. His behavior the last few weeks has been terrible. He is almost 3. I know that he doesn't feel well, but should I ignore some of his behavior because of that? I feel like the rules are the rules no matter if you feel well or not. His Mom on the other hand lets him get away with more when he doesn't feel well. I explain to him what the consequences are going to be of whatever he is doing, and then when I follow through with the discipline he is throwing serious crying fits like he is being tortured. Any advice on whether I should lighten up on the rules, or what other forms of discipline I could try?
You could lighten on the rules a tiny bit but it depends on if it's going to have a negative impact on other kids in the house. If he gets special treatment then it will be unfair and very difficult to explain to other children. I'm sure it's hard to do right now, but try and focus on what he's doing right. If he is following the rules and behaving well then you should reward his behavior. If all he hears is what he's doing wrong the negativity feeds on itself and the behavior gets even worse.
A better question is if you are up for continuing on this path? If his needs exceed your ability to care for him than maybe he needs special care? If you and the mom are on completely different pages in terms of discipline than it will be nearly impossible to provide the child with consistent care. If it's been weeks of misery then you have to ask yourself what you're worth. I assume you are a child care provider? You have the right to decide what children you care for.
It's time to have a serious talk with the mom. She needs to know how her actions at home impact the type of day he has while in your care. If the two of you are willing to work together and provide this child with consistency between the two households then you have a chance of improving his behavior.
Babies Can Have Food Allergies
One major step in your baby's development is the transition from nursing or bottle feeding to solid foods. It is during this time that food allergies can really change your baby's world. It is possible for children to have food allergy symptoms but not really a food allergy, but keep in mind six percent of young children and up to four percent of adults in the USA have at least one food allergy.
If you understand how allergies work, you may be able to recognize the early signs of allergy. It is important to know how to spot these symptoms, and also what to do about the symptoms should they arise. A food allergy is basically a case of the human body treating food as if it were an invader or threatening parasite. It launches an all out attack by the immune system. Sometimes the body will manufacture an antibody that can detect the food. If the baby eats the food again, his or her immune system will release substances, like histamine, to fight the "invader." These substances are the cause of allergy symptoms. Allergy symptoms can be mild, or they can be severe.
Allergy symptoms can manifest in several different ways. Examples of allergy symptoms are hives, swelling and trouble breathing. Usually these symptoms show up within two hours of eating a specific food. If your baby has a severe allergic reaction, it may even be life threatening. In many cases, however, the symptoms, such as eczema, gastrointestinal problems, or diarrhea are ongoing or even chronic.
Bear in mind that your baby can develop a food allergy even if he or she has eaten the food before and not had any problem. Your baby may not have any reaction to say fish the first few times he or she eats it, but still may have inherited the tendency to be sensitive to such foods. Eventually though, your baby will show symptoms. Early exposures to the ingredient may have come when the ingredient was combined with something else. For example, nuts can be barely detectable in a cookie.
Although it is possible to be allergic to just about anything, there are eight food groups that are responsible for ninety percent of food allergies. These are eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, brazil nuts and cashews) fish, and shellfish.
You should call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if your baby seems to be having breathing trouble or experiencing swollen face or lips. Severe allergic reactions must be dealt with right away, as your baby's airways may close if you don't do something immediately.
If your baby consistently shows symptoms after consuming a certain food, usually within the first two hours, talk to his or her doctor. You are the best and final authority on your child and his or her behaviour.
About the Author
David Cummings is a devoted parent, husband and a regular author on a variety of family topics. As the General Manager for Bustling Baby, LLC - he knows the business of parenting and selects products to parenting life easier and fun with products ranging from baby gear to baby travel systems. David is devoted to ensuring a brighter future for all children through his contributions to children-oriented organizations.
