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The theme for this episode is dedicated to Ethyl Alcohol. Ethyl Alcohol you ask while adding that we talk corn not alcohol. There is one thing that Ethyl Alcohol is made from - #2 Yellow Dent Corn!
My previous layout was really dark so, thanks to the Template Mama I have a new and improved look. Come on in, look around, tell me what you think!
I am a book junkie, a word nerd, a bibliophile - Big Poppa calls me an addict, but I can stop at any time, it's just a social thing.... Alright, between you and me I am an ADDICT. When Sissy was first diagnosed as having a corn allergy I went looking for books. I found a few that were very helpful so I want to share them with you. Please know I am not getting paid to endorse these books, I just found them really helpful. They now take a prominent place on my overrun bookshelves - having been run over with high-lighters, notes in the margins, dog ears and flags. I am hoping that some of the things I found helpful will help you as well.
1.) Food Allergies For Dummies
While I may not be the biggest fan of the name, the information provided is second to none. The book contains a tear out sheet with a food label crib sheet, symptom check list and reaction response plan. There are chapters on what to do when you are first faced with a diagnosis as well as how to live well with food allergies. There are helpful items for sending kids to school, camp and Nana's house. The last section is dedicated to "The Part of Tens"; which are top ten lists that are really helpful and very on topic.
2.) Food Allergy Field Guide : A Lifestyle Manual for Families
I really like this book because first of all it includes corn allergies, which can be hard to find, but also, there are a ton of recipes that I have had really good success with. It includes how to deal with family members that don't get it. We all have those family members who say, "Well in my day, there was no such thing as food allergies. These kids just don't want to finish their plate" - or some other such nonsense. That's why I appreciate a chapter subtitled, "Grandma's Not Trying to Kill you, She Just Doesn't Know".
3.) One Of The Gang: Nurturing the Souls of Children with Food Allergies
This is one to read to the little people in your lives who have food allergies. It's great. It contains help with the grief and sadness of it all as well as famous and successful people who also have food allergies.
Do you have books that you have found helpful? Please share!
With Halloween coming up soon, I was wondering what you do to help your food allergic kiddo celebrate! Please share your ideas and comments! We could all use the ideas!
Part of the difficulty of managing a corn allergy is the incredible expense. You can not find very many things that are generic because those items contain corn. That's pretty hard on the average family, however. So in that vein, I am going to feature a frugal find. Watch for more frugal finds in the weeks to come!
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
I think most everyone has hydrogen peroxide lurking around in their medicine cabinet. You can usually find 16 ounces for under a dollar. We all know to pour it on a cut or sore to disinfect it, but there are hundreds of uses for peroxide around the house. Other than the family friendly price point, there is no corn in peroxide so it is safe.
Do you have a use for peroxide that you want to share? We LOVE comments!
Have you heard of Mabel's Labels? They are a Canadian company of moms who really understand the need for good labels.
My favorite is the package of safety labels. They are dishwasher and microwave safe as well as UV resistant. Sissy takes a water bottle to school, church, shopping - everywhere. I have a safety label on her water bottle. The plate and lid combo in which I take Sissy's meals with us is decorated with one on the top and one on the bottom. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
I love them. They are bright red with a cute icon, your kiddos name and allergy. Hop on over to Mabel's Labels to check out their products! I am not getting paid to endorse Mabel's Labels; I just REALLY love them!
As the caregiver of Sissy with severe food allergies and asthma, and DB who has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, sometimes the stress can become pretty overwhelming. I know I am not the only parent in the world who feels overwhelmed, so here is a list of ideas of things to do for yourself to relax and refresh. I call this the Airplane Mask Principle - you have to put on your own mask so that you can help someone else; likewise you have to take some time to do something good for yourself to be able to take care of someone else. Enjoy!
The point is to do something good for yourself. Have a good book to share? We'd love to hear it!
Every so often, I will post three surprising things that contain corn. So here's our first!
For kids of any age, bullying is an issue. For kids who are different in any way, it's a BIG issue. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, kids with disabilities are more likely to be bullied. While severe food allergies may not be what we think of when we think disability, that is how our kids are protected with section 504 under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Kids have a hard enough time feeling different without the teasing of other kids. In the light of trying to keep our kids happy and healthy, let's talk about bullies and bullying.
The BBC Website gives a really helpful list of of a few symptoms your child may exhibit if they are being bullied. There is also helpful warning signs and symptoms over at US Department of Health and Human Services.
Here's the list, it's not exhaustive - it's a few basic guidelines. But, you know your child. You KNOW when something's up. Here's the secret that shouldn't be...communication - is the key to disarming a bully. As mom's we want to think we can swoop in and solve a problem but this is a case where we CANNOT do it alone.
Here's where the communication begins, if you suspect your child is being bullied, sit down and talk to your lovey.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has some really great ideas for discussion starters. Subtle and direct questions to help your kiddo open up and let you know what is going on at school.
Please check out the list to help begin a conversation. Here's the key with my little people - I ask open ended questions; questions where the answer has to be more than one word. Instead of "Did your day go well?" try "What was the best/worst part of your day?". Sometimes when you let kids ramble, you stumble upon a hidden gem.
Your next course of action should be to contact your child's school. Make an appointment with his teacher. Remember to keep your "mama bear" temper in check. Right now, you are on a fact finding mission, and it won't be helpful to alienate anyone. Ask questions and listen to the answers; take notes. Information is crucial. Once you speak with your child's teacher give him or her some time to work out the issues in her classroom. You will know if what the teacher is doing is being effectual or not. If you feel like you can do it congenially, consider contacting the bully's parents. Sometimes these parents have no idea what is going on - and parents can have a profound impact.
In the meantime
Teach your kiddo about how to handle teasing when it occurs. Here are some IDEAS - this is what I've gathered from research and speaking with teachers and principals, however, please speak with your pediatrician, school counselor, religious leader or some other trusted individual who can give appropriate advice for your situation.
Here are some things that I have told Sissy.
If you find that your meeting with the teacher has not been effective, it's time to talk to the principal. When you speak with the principal, you may want immediate decisive action. Please be aware that most schools have a well established plan when dealing with bullying behavior. Try to be patient and allow the school to do what they have prepared for.
Remember you can always go to the superintendent and/or school board. You have channels. You have to be persistent, assertive (not aggressive) and remember that the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Squeak! Find an ally in the school who can help if possible, keep speaking/emailing your school.
Good luck. If you have advice or questions please ask!
