What I'd Like You To Know: Parenting a Child With Life Threatening Allergies

photo by: Codi Leigh Photography

Food allergies are often very misunderstood, brushed off as an inconvenience or choice, rather than the life-threatening reality they can be. But for parents of kids with severe allergies, every single snack, every playdate, every birthday party and holiday, requires a level of planning and vigilance that most people never have to think about. And while I wish she didn’t, my friend Molly knows this firsthand all too well. Through our daughters’ friendship, I’ve had the privilege of learning from her and seeing just how much goes into keeping a child safe in a world that doesn’t always take allergies seriously.

I thought I had a solid understanding of food allergies before– watching the way my sister in law beautifully and admirably navigates my niece’s same life threatening level of allergies, as well several friends who deal with this. However in the last few years watching Molly, as well as the aforementioned loved ones, my eyes continue to open wider.

This conversation is one I want more people to hear. Molly shares the reality of what it’s like to parent a child with life-threatening allergies—the challenges, the emotional weight, and the things most people frankly don’t see.

Whether you’re a parent in the same boat or just someone who wants to be a better friend, teacher, or community member, I truly hope this conversation opens your eyes in the same ways it has mine.

Thank you, Molly, for sharing your experiences and shedding light on such an important, relevant topic.

*And an extra honorable thank-you-mention to you, dear listener, for your patience. My microphones weren’t working for this, and my massive, shaggy dog who never makes a sound decided to make himself very known, as he loves Molly. The purpose of these conversations are to always truly feel like you are eavesdropping over a real coffee convo so we’re keeping all of my genuine yet annoyingly audible reactions, dog groans and dining room clammer in the mix. So with that, authenticity over everything else. Forever.

Now, let’s dive in to my convo with Molly!