14 Things That Prove You Are A Peanut Allergy Mom (or Dad!)

So you’re “that parent” at school, play dates and holiday parties. Food allergy parents didn’t choose that role. But they embrace it to keep their kids safe.

1. You read food labels like others read trashy novels.

Via someecards.com

Get Every. Single. Detail. It may say “arachis,” but that means it has peanuts.

2. Play date moms think you’re a helicopter parent.

Via FoodAllergyFun.blogspot.com

You are, but only because each new play date means potential peanut exposure. It’s not your real personality or parenting style, it’s medically necessary.

3. You worry about ER more than GPA.

Via school.discoveryeducation.com

A good day at school is when no one goes to the ER with a peanut allergy reaction.

4. You have mad cooking skills.

Because if you make it yourself, you know what’s in it.

5. You make sure you have an epi-pen before you go anywhere.

Via epipen.com

Because you can live without a house key or cell phone.

6. You make sure you have TWO epi-pens.

Via epipen.com

Just in case.

7. You worry way more than other parents about the first kiss. And the second. And the 100th.

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Even if someone has eaten peanut butter hours ago, that exposure in dangerous for someone with peanut allergies.

8. All your kid’s nurses know you.

Via YourPediatrician.com

Allergy tests, follow-ups, doctor appointments…you spend plenty of time with your health care providers.

9. Halloween isn’t fun; it’s terrifying.

buzzfeed.com

Candy that doesn’t seem like it would have peanuts still isn’t safe, because it’s made on equipment that makes peanut candy.

10. You volunteer at every classroom party.

Via ehow.com

Okay, it is good to get to know your kids’ classmates. But you do need to be there in case the snacks or crafts include peanuts or peanut butter.

11. You buy SunButter in 5 lb. pails.

Amazon knows your standing order every two weeks for this peanut butter substitute, made from roasted sunflower seeds.

12. You do not carry hand sanitizer.

Via modernwellness.com

It doesn’t wipe out peanut residue. Wipes do. You should have stock in wipes manufacturers.

13. You lie awake at night with worry.

Via someecards.com

More than other parents, you envision all the hazards and how you can avoid them.

14. You wouldn’t trade your role for the world.

Via VegetarianMamma.com

Peanut allergies are part of your amazing kid. After all, you could have a child with many other medical challenges. You’ve totally got this peanut allergy thing.