Families Today: Making small changes in child’s diet may be the best course

Q: My 10-year-old daughter is allergic to tree nuts and shellfish. As a result, she is suspicious of trying new foods. Her diet consists of bread (homemade), chicken fingers (if we dine out), potatoes (baked, and the occasional french fry), eggs (scrambled), steak, pasta (no sauce) and Lucky Charms cereal.

While I want her to be cautious in deference to her allergies, I would like her to eat more nutritiously. I don’t want to start a food battle, which is where we’re headed.

– via e-mail

A: You’re right to try to avoid food battles, which parents can’t win.

You might start by addressing the allergies generally. Ask your daughter’s pediatrician about your consulting a pediatric allergist.

Occasionally allergies diminish as a child matures. In some instances, the allergist may consider a re-exposure test — exposing the child to the allergens to see if the reaction still occurs. Note: Do not try to test on your own. It must be conducted in a clinic or hospital where emergency equipment is available if needed.

The allergist can review for you exactly what the risks are. A clear emergency plan will reassure the whole family.

A child this age should always carry her own self-injectable epinephrine shot and should know how to administer it. Extra self-injectable epinephrine should also always be available wherever the child is — at home, school and camp. At least one adult should also be trained to administer the shot.

As for your daughter’s diet, it sounds as if vegetables, whole grains and fruit are missing, and could be safely added — particularly if they aren’t processed. Chicken, eggs and steak are good sources of fat and protein. (Sugary cereals aren’t a healthy choice, but if she adds skim milk, that would be a source of protein and calcium — especially important through adolescence.)

Since she likes eggs, you might offer an omelet with a bit of cheese, green peppers, tomatoes, or spinach. Give her a choice, and if she’s not ready to try, don’t make an issue of it.

Such precautions will help to make mealtimes relaxing and sociable. Eating may have become associated with anxiety. If you all know the food on the table is safe, everyone can relax and enjoy each other’s company. It may take awhile, but once your child has learned to look forward to meals as a chance to be together, she may be less hesitant to depart from the usual menu.

Dr. T. Berry Brazelton’s column appears Thursday. Write to him at 122 E. 42nd St., New York, NY 10168, or e-mail at [email protected].

New York Times Syndicate