First Day of School Jitters: Food Allergies, New Teachers, and Finding Your Groove
The first day of school always seems to come with butterflies—for kids and parents. New classrooms, new routines, new teachers… and when your child has food allergies, that excitement often comes wrapped up with a big dose of anxiety too.
I’ll be honest—no matter how many times we’ve done this, I still feel that little knot in my stomach. Will the teacher remember his allergies? Will classmates be careful with snacks? Will my child feel safe and included?
Why a 504 Plan Matters
One thing that helps take some of that weight off is having a 504 plan in place. Think of it as your safety net—it outlines accommodations and protections so your child isn’t left out and, most importantly, stays safe.
It’s more than “paperwork.” A 504 plan makes sure the details don’t get lost in the shuffle of a busy school year. Whether it’s making sure safe snacks are available, that your child carries their EpiPen, or that staff know exactly what to do in an emergency—this plan brings clarity and consistency.
If you don’t have one yet, it’s not too late. Reach out to the school, ask about starting the process, and know you’re not asking for special treatment—you’re asking for equal access and safety.
Communication is Everything
Even with a solid plan, nothing replaces good communication. Teachers genuinely want to support our kids, and they feel more confident when they know we’ve got their back too.
Here are a few ways I’ve found helpful to kick off the year:
Introduce yourself early—a quick hello and overview of your child’s allergies sets the tone.
Share your contact info and encourage teachers to reach out with questions (text and email make this easy).
Keep the conversation positive—approach it as a partnership, not a checklist.
Check in gently—a quick note after the first week can help smooth out any bumps.
Helping Our Kids Feel Ready
Allergies can sometimes make kids feel “different,” especially when they’re in a brand-new class. I try to send my child off with reassurance: You’re safe, you’re strong, and you know what to do.
Reviewing where their EpiPen is, reminding them they can always speak up, and giving a little pep talk about their confidence can make a big difference. When our kids feel empowered, they walk into that classroom a little taller.
Here’s the truth: The first day of school is nerve-wracking for just about everyone. For allergy families, the stakes feel higher—but with a clear plan, open communication, and a little extra encouragement, we can turn that anxiety into confidence. And that’s the best back-to-school supply we can pack.
Here’s to making allergy life a little simpler, one day at a time.
- Your Everyday Allergy Mom
