Spring’s arrival has been marked with sunnier and longer days that beckon families out of the house on the weekend and eager children gazing out the window in their classrooms. Spring is such a unique and wonderful phenomenon. Every year it comes by, offering new hope, fresh beginnings, greener grass and… oh, allergies.
If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, springtime may not be as magical and marvelous as it is for other kids. Having to tell your child she can’t play for as long outside or that she has to take an inhaler with her wherever she goes can lead to some gloomy spirits on an otherwise picturesque day. Don’t lose heart, mom and dad! Despite the pesky pollen and other allergens floating in the air, you can still have a great time together as a family and make memories that will forever be happily tucked in to her childhood.
First – know that your child is not alone by any means. More than 40 percent of children suffer from some kind of allergy. For some children the main culprit is pet dander, while others have to navigate tricky food allergies. You are not the only parent dealing with the aggravation of allergies and sometimes remembering that this can bring a little bit of discomfort. For adults, allergies are certainly a nuisance but for children they can be seen as big obstacles that are holding the child back from fully enjoying what her peers are able to enjoy with no problem.
If this is a new development in your child’s life, it is especially important that you maintain a positive attitude while honestly addressing the setbacks of having allergies. This may change a few activities but it does not have to ruin springtime entirely for your child.
Below are some helpful suggestions for not letting seasonal allergies dampen your child’s spring and summer activities.
- Find a Tribe – As mentioned, you are not alone in this endeavor. If you are feeling overwhelmed with pamphlets, tests, doctor visits, etc. it is easy to lose your positivity and momentum. This is a journey you do not have to walk alone so find people who have walked this path before you, as well as those who are in the trenches with you. Sometimes just a conversation with someone who gets it can be what you need to re-focus and re-energize, and continue helping your child to the best of your ability!
- Vacation Strategically – If your child turns into a ball of misery when outside during springtime, avoid scheduling your family vacations during the spring! Going to the beach can be a great alternative for children susceptible to pollen allergies. Many families enjoy extended winter vacations at ski resorts or at cabin lodges during the colder months of the year. Minimizing the likelihood of allergies flaring up during a vacation makes it a better experience for everyone! Get creative and begin making special memories!
- Address the downsides but dwell on the positive – With any situation where your child finds herself limited by her circumstances – injury, allergy, sickness etc. it’s important to acknowledge the frustration of that circumstance. It’s most important not to dwell on the negative but to create positive experiences where they can be found. Talk with your child and listen to her voice her disappointments about not being able to do certain activities. Ask thoughtful questions such as, “What do you like the least about this?” “How can you take one part of this circumstance and make it positive?” This is a healthy exercise in critical thinking and self-awareness for a child of any age. If your child is stuck indoors while her friends are gallivanting at the park, make the most of your indoor time by having a picnic on the living room floor, painting your nails and watching a favorite movie. You can’t change your child’s allergies but you can help change her perspective!
At Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies we love watching every child shine in his and her own uniqueness and creativity. From our exclusive STEAM AHEAD® preschool curriculum to our nurturing infant-toddler programs, We Hold the Future™ with care and enthusiasm. Our Learning Academies are staffed with highly-trained teachers who strive for the best for every child! We welcome children with a variety of gifts and challenges and are committed to seeing each child thrive. Whether your child has special concerns when playing outdoors or has particular dietary restrictions, Kids ‘R’ Kids has an on-site chef to cater to the needs of each child as well as a friendly team of teachers and staff who are always looking to give your child the very best! Find a Kids ‘R’ Kids nearest you and set your child up for a lifetime of success in learning!
