Food allergies and fear

Over the years, I have joined several groups on social media sites regarding food allergies. My daughter’s peanut allergy is off the charts – the highest level on 2 blood tests, and a skin test. My daughter will be 12 this week. I have done a ton of research about her allergy and my husband and I are on the same page about how to handle her allergy. However, over the years, I have read so much and seen so many posts from others about their child’s food allergy and the precautions they take. I love that I have learned so much over the years, but also along the way there were several times that I felt paranoid about her food allergy. I had to take a step back and ask myself if I was truly acting rationally. There were times, I freaked out a bit too much – definitely more than I should have – because of something I read. At the time, I did what I felt was the right thing to do, but in hindsight maybe it was a little over the top.

How much information is too much information? Parents will do anything and everything to protect their child, especially from something that is life threatening. Therefore, I believe that every family has to do what they are comfortable doing in regards to their child’s food allergy. I have read that some people bring their own plastic silverware and paper plates to other’s homes, so there was no possibility of cross contamination. I have read that some people refuse to eat out at restaurants, ever. I have read that people bring their own food to anyone and everyone’s home for their allergic child to eat, to avoid any possibility of cross contamination. I have read that people will skip weddings, and family functions, because of fear of cross contamination with their child’s food allergies.

My question is, how much is too much? Is there too much, when it come to protecting our children? I don’t know. Is all the information too much information – enough to make us terrified and paranoid? Where do we draw the line?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.