Helping kids deal with their food allergies

I ran across this post on Emily's Ramblings.

The author relates a story about her daughter coming home from a playdate with her cousins where they made non-safe brownies and she, because of allergies, couldn't have any. Long story short, her daughter was crying, upset, etc.

I've often thought about how I would be able to help Ava deal with the exact same emotions. And while I'm still not sure I have the answers, I have always tried to focus on the things she can have, not what she can't. Most of the time when I make treats, I only make things she can have - there's no separate batch for my son and for her. He eats what she eats.

Whenever we go out, I always make sure she has treats and snacks.

But what about when she gets to school? If her allergies haven't subsided by then, I doubt she'll be buying her lunch much. As my 8-year-old son tells me now: "I'll be embarrassed to pack, Mom." Well, Ava might only have that option.

Sigh. At least I have a few years to figure that one out.

Any readers have any tips?