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a little bit nuts

Guide · Kids

Raising allergy-aware kids.

Routines, school strategies and self-advocacy techniques that protect kids without wrapping them in bubble wrap.

At school

Routines that actually work.

  1. 01.

    Create a clear allergy action plan

    Work with your GP or allergist to create a written plan: your child's specific allergies, signs of a reaction, step-by-step instructions for the auto-injector, emergency contacts, and when to call 999. Give copies to the school office, your child's teacher, the school nurse, and any teaching assistants who work with them.

  2. 02.

    Meet school staff before term starts

    Don't wait for an incident. Meet the teacher, head, and designated first aider before the school year begins. Cover where auto-injectors will be stored (accessible, not locked away), who is trained to use them, food policies, birthday parties, and lunchtime procedures.

  3. 03.

    Establish a "safe snack" system

    Work with the school to create a list of pre-approved safe snacks for class parties. Keep a stash of safe treats at school for your child so they don't feel left out when someone brings something unsafe.

  4. 04.

    Regular check-ins

    Don't set it and forget it. Especially after holidays or staff changes, confirm auto-injectors are in date, staff know where they are, and new staff are aware of your child's allergy.

Self-advocacy

Teaching kids to speak up.

Start early and keep it age-appropriate.

Young children (3–7)

  • Teach them to say "I can't eat that, I'm allergic to nuts."
  • Practice: "What do you say if someone offers you food?"
  • Always check with a grown-up before eating something new.
  • Rule: "No food from friends unless Mummy/Daddy says it's okay."

Older children (8–12)

  • Read labels (start simple, work up).
  • Practice saying "No, thank you" politely but firmly.
  • Ask questions: "Does this have nuts in it?"
  • Understand their allergy without feeling like a burden.
  • Role-play: "What if someone offers you a biscuit at school?"

Teenagers

  • Read labels independently.
  • Advocate in restaurants and social situations.
  • Handle peer pressure.
  • Always carry their auto-injectors.
  • Recognise symptoms and know when to use the auto-injector.

Parties & playdates

Handling social events.

Before the event

  • Call ahead. Speak to the host parent — be clear, not confrontational.
  • Offer to help: "I'm happy to bring a safe cake so they don't feel left out."
  • Send safe alternatives if you can't be there.
  • Make sure your child has their auto-injectors and they're accessible.

During the event

  • If you're staying, keep an eye on what's being served — don't hover.
  • Trust your child to follow the rules you've taught them.
  • If you're not staying, brief the host parent on auto-injector use.

After the event

  • Praise your child for following the rules.
  • Acknowledge feeling left out if it happened — the feeling is valid.
  • Talk about what went well and what you might do differently.

The balance

Safety and independence.

The hardest bit of parenting an allergic child. You want them safe — but also confident and independent.

Start small

Give age-appropriate responsibilities. A 5-year-old can learn to always ask. A 10-year-old can read simple labels with you. A teenager should manage their allergy independently with your support.

Build confidence by practising

Read labels together. Role-play asking about allergens. Let them make small decisions so they learn to trust their judgment.

Don't let fear drive decisions

It's natural to be scared, but don't let fear stop your child from having normal experiences. With preparation and education they can join most activities.

Know when to step back

As they get older, gradually let them advocate for themselves. Be there for support, but don't do everything for them.

At home

Routines that reduce risk.

  • Designated safe areas — e.g. "nuts only in the kitchen, never in the living room."
  • Separate prep areas, chopping boards, utensils and storage if nuts are in the house.
  • Always wash hands and surfaces after handling nuts.
  • Label everything clearly — if it's not safe, make it obvious.
  • Check auto-injector expiry dates monthly. Set a phone reminder.
  • Run emergency drills — everyone in the house should know where the auto-injectors are and how to use them.

When things go wrong

If your child has a reaction.

  1. 1.Stay calm. Your child will pick up on your panic.
  2. 2.Use the auto-injector immediately if symptoms suggest anaphylaxis (breathing trouble, throat tightness, dizziness, widespread hives).
  3. 3.Call 999. Tell them your child has had an allergic reaction and you've used the auto-injector.
  4. 4.Go to hospital even if symptoms improve — they need monitoring for a biphasic reaction.

Medical disclaimer: general information about managing nut allergies in children. Not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP or allergist for guidance specific to your child.