How to Keep Allergies from Ruining the Fun at Playdates
By Your Healthy Outlook Staff at 8 February, 2009, 12:35 pm
(ARA) – Playdates have taken off in America, and it is no wonder. In this economy, where else can you find an inexpensive activity that is fun for both children and moms? Not only do playdates help youngsters learn socialization and cooperation skills, but they also allow moms to mingle and share advice.
Participating in playdates (or “playgroups”) is a great way to spend the afternoon, until one of your guests sneezes … and then sneezes again. If it turns out that a member of your playdate is severely allergic to the family cat, your afternoon plans could be ruined.
On any given day in America, 10,000 children miss school because of allergies, according to one study referenced on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s Web site, www.AAAAI.org. Their site also mentions that up to 40 percent of American children are believed to suffer from nasal allergies, and millions more have food and skin allergies.
Yet in a recent national survey conducted by Ipsos and The Clorox Company, just three percent of the parents polled said they are most concerned about exposure to indoor allergens during playdates.
“Playdates nurture a sense of community among children and parents,” says Jeff Van Lom, co-founder and CEO of Playgroups USA, a national organization that helps parents form playgroups for their children. “Kids get to be kids and enjoy playing together while parents can share advice, experiences and support. But an allergic reaction can take all the fun out of a playdate.”
Nearly half of parents reported their children have experienced indoor allergy symptoms in the past year, according to the survey. Because playdates often occur indoors, they can be tough for children who are allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mite matter and pet dander. Whether you’re hosting the playdate or your child is a guest, it pays to prepare with some allergy precautions.
A new free, downloadable guide on www.PlaygroupsUSA.com, called the “Guide to the ABCs of Playdates and Allergies,” helps parents prepare homes for playdates — especially when guests have allergies. The guide, created through a partnership between Playgroups USA and The Clorox Company, provides information on common allergens, statistics on allergies among children, and tips for minimizing allergy triggers during playdates.
Prepping for the Playdate
Everyone knows how tough it is to be a parent in general, much less also be in charge of hosting a playdate with other children — especially children with allergies. This guide outlines simple steps that you can take to help make life easier as the playdate host.
For example, prior to the playdate, follow these easy steps to help reduce common indoor allergens like dust mite matter and pet dander:
* To help make indoor allergen management easier, spray upholstered furniture and other fabrics with a product such as Clorox Anywhere Anti-Allergen Fabric Spray to reduce up to 90 percent of common indoor allergens such as dust mite matter and pet dander. This spray is also fragrance-free and dye-free, so it is safe to use around pets and won’t bother kids with sensitive skin.
* Wash fabric toys and blankets with an anti-allergen bleach like Clorox Plus Anti-Allergen Bleach that removes 99 percent of household allergens. The bleach denatures common household allergens — such as mold, dust mite matter and pet dander — that can hide in fabric fibers or on hard surfaces.
* It is also a good idea to vacuum and dust the room where you plan to host your playdate. Also try to keep your pets out of the house for the day. As all moms know, there are not enough hours in the day, so just focus on where you plan to spend time with your guests. The rest of the house can wait.
* Find out from other parents if their children have food allergies, and plan menu choices accordingly. If their child has a food allergy, they will be very impressed — and thankful — that you asked. Invite parents to join in and, if it raises their comfort level, supply their own snacks for their food-allergic child.
The “Guide to the ABCs of Playdates and Allergies” offers more easy-to-follow advice on how to keep allergies from being a playdate problem and is available for free download at www.PlaygroupsUSA.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
No comments yet.