The Parent's Guide to Food Allergies: Clear and Complete Advice from the Experts on Raising Your Food-Allergic Child [Paperback]

Marianne S. Barber (Author), Maryanne Bartoszek Scott (Author), Elinor Greenberg (Author), Hugh A. Sampson (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

The most comprehensive book on dealing with childhood food allergies, a problem that affects more than four million children in the United States.

Each year thousands of children in this country are diagnosed with one or more food allergies. For them -- and their parents and caregivers -- the ordinary patterns of life are profoundly disrupted. As families struggle with a serious condition that can at any moment become life-threatening, the stress is often overwhelming. Now this invaluable reference provides the practical help and reassurance parents have been waiting for.

To write this book, Marianne Barber, whose son has serious food allergies, teamed up with a pediatric allergy specialist and a psychologist who treats many people with severe allergies. The Parent's Guide to Food Allergies addresses in detail the practical, physical, and emotional issues kids and their families face, including vital information on:--handling emergencies --stocking a kitchen with safe, appealing foods--helping a child adjust easily in school --dealing with the stress that having a food-allergic child puts on family relationships--eating in restaurants and travelingComprehensive and authoritative, this book is certain to become the bible for anyone with a food-allergic child.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Few things are scarier than witnessing a child having an allergic reaction, whether it manifests itself as wheezing or life-threatening anaphylaxis. Parents will do anything to avoid having their child suffer such a reaction again, but treading the line between being prepared and being paranoid can be tricky. The Parent's Guide to Food Allergies was written by a team of people who shared their expertise from the medical lab and the kitchen; two M.D.s and one Ph.D. collaborated with author Marianne Barber, the mother of a food-allergic son, who writes with a personal slant so often absent from medical guides. Barber understands the daily coping skills that are needed when living with an allergic child, from banning particular foods entirely to reading ingredient labels.

Especially common allergens like peanuts, wheat, and eggs merit separate chapters, while other foods are treated more generally. Each of the food-specific chapters includes a list of ways that the ingredients can "hide" in processed foods. Once you learn that milk also goes by hydrolysate, and that one of wheat's many aliases is seitan, you'll realize the importance of careful reading. The chapter titled "Hidden Allergens" expands on this theme, and while Barber does an excellent job of detailing the possible hiding places, she says, "careful labeling is well and good, but it doesn't eliminate the need for a judgment call on your part." There's also a chapter on anaphylaxis, in which the realities of living with Epi-pens and liquid antihistamines are faced in a kind, straightforward manner. A special recipe section includes enjoyable treats for the whole family that are baked with wheat-free flour, milk-free margarine, and applesauce instead of eggs. (The spice cake with fresh fruit is a delicious treat.)

At once gentle and authoritative, Barber's book is an excellent guide through the maze of childhood allergies. --Jill Lightner

About the Author

Marianne Barber is an award-winning copywriter who runs her own direct-marketing agency. She is also the mother of Lucas, whose severe food allergies led her to write this book.

Maryanne Bartoszek Scott, M.D., is a physician in private practice whose specialty is pediatric allergy and immunology.

Elinor Greenberg, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist in private practice.

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company; 1st edition (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805066004
• ISBN-13: 978-0805066005
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #434,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Children's Health > Allergies
  • #84 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Nutrition > Food Allergies

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on Dealing with child's allergies I have found April 18, 2001

By Mary Westberg

Format:Paperback

This book is very informative when it came to learning about my child's food allergies. It taught me in depth aspects of his allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, nuts and soybean, along with not so common food allergies. It taught about what allergies were, and the most effective methods for establishing exactly which foods he was allergic to.

It also has quite a few recipes focused towards kids that were just delicious.

It teaches how to organize your house, deal with their allergies in the outside world (ie, restaurants, school, babysitter's, etc. ) and how to comfort you and your child and help deal with the anxiety, stress and depression that often occurs with food allergies.

It has sections on explaining eczema, asthma and environmental allergies, which my son also has. It was a very informative and comforting book in helping me deal with my son's allergies.

I recommend it to anyone and everyone who have children with food allergies!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must buy for a parent of a food allergic child September 9, 2001

By "[e-mail]"

Format:Paperback

I can not say enough about this wonderful book. When my child was first diagnosed with food allergies I was extremly stressed out. I came on-line and read as much as I could and purchased several books to learn how to cope. This book offers real life solutions for parents who can not stop their entire lives. The author makes suggestions on how to survive day to day as well as on vacations and at birthday parties. She offers several recipes for kid food and everything I have tried has been great. This is the best, most comprehensive book on the subject.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous Help for Children with Allergies! February 25, 2002

By Stephanie G. Downs

Format:Paperback

I have read several books, and this one is the best. The book contains useful information for explaining the different types of food allergies, and chances for outgrowing these allergies. It also offers sympathy for parents of kids with food allergies and let's you know you are not alone in your fears and struggles. Most importantly, the book has GREAT recipes that are easy to make that the whole family will enjoy. I regulary make the zucchini and banana breads for my dairy and egg allergic son to take to school for snacks. Terrific book!!