There's a certain dance you learn to perform when you have food allergies. It's a dance of vigilance and caution, of reading labels and politely asking waitstaff about ingredients. It's also a dance of resilience, adaptability, and growth. As someone who's had to juggle social scenarios with a peanut allergy since childhood, I've picked up a move or two. And while every dance has its missteps, the lessons they teach are invaluable.
The Schoolyard Ballet
Growing up with a peanut allergy, the schoolyard was my first dance floor. Birthday parties were a mix of excitement and anxiety. While other kids reached out for cake, I learned to ask, "Does this have peanuts?" It taught me the importance of voice, of advocating for myself.
To the parents of allergic teens: Equip your children with knowledge and encourage them to speak up. Those early moments of asserting themselves can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of self-advocacy.
The College Waltz
Heading to college was like stepping onto a new, grander stage. The buffet-style dining, the shared kitchens in dorms, the spontaneous late-night snack runs—all came with their set of challenges. But college also brought something invaluable: a community.
I surrounded myself with understanding friends who became my allergy allies. Together, we discovered peanut-free eateries, shared recipes, and learned to cook allergy-friendly meals. Those years taught me the strength in numbers and the beauty of shared experiences.
For teens about to start their college journey, my advice is simple: Find your tribe. There will be people who understand, who stand by you, and who make this dance a shared one.
The Adult Tango
Navigating social settings as an adult with a food allergy introduces a different rhythm. Work lunches, dinner dates, and travel come with their unique challenges. But by now, I've internalized the rhythm of my dance. I've learned the art of pre-planning—scouting restaurant menus ahead, carrying allergy-friendly snacks, and having open conversations with colleagues and friends.
To the parents watching their allergic teens grow into adulthood: Know that every challenge faced, every conversation had, and every precaution taken is preparing them for this vast world. Your guidance has been their compass.
Growth Mindset: The Key to a Confident Dance
In all these years, if there’s one thing that’s kept me moving forward, it's the growth mindset. Every challenge was an opportunity to learn. Every misstep, a lesson in resilience.
Parents, as you watch your teens navigate their world, instill in them this mindset. Let them know that their food allergy, while a part of them, does not define them. With every social setting, they're not just navigating food—they're building character, resilience, and empathy.
A Dance of Hope
Looking back, I see not just the challenges but the growth. The little boy asking about peanuts in a birthday cake is now the founder of AlleRx, determined to make life easier for those with food allergies.
To every teen and parent reading this: There’s a dance out there for you, a rhythm that suits your steps. Embrace it, learn from it, and most importantly, dance it with confidence. If I can, you can too. And always remember, you’re never dancing alone.
