We all have one - that relative who refuses to believe food allergies exist, or who can't seem to wrap their mind around the concept that "no nuts" means "no nuts." The relative who says, "But I used organic cheese!" when you tell her you can't eat her famous mac-n-cheese. The relative who tries to sneak peanut butter to your allergic child, and when caught says, "If he just tries it, he'll like it!"
Some relatives have been known to sneak allergens into food, thinking that it will allow them to "prove" that you are not really as allergic as you think you are. Others are fixated on their own food intolerances - if they can't drink milk, but can have soymilk, then soymilk must be the solution to every allergy.
With the best of intentions, some relatives are still food allergy hazards. One of the most stressful parts of dealing with the holidays with food allergies is handling relatives who just don't "get it" about your allergies, no matter how much you try to explain.
Do you have relatives who just don't get it? Share your story.
I have relatives who think gluten free=nut free. So frustrating.
One of my kid’s grandparents is constantly trying to feed her things she is allergic to. “is this OK?” is usually asked after the food has gone into the toddler’s mouth. When I get upset about it, they say “but I just like to see her face when she tries something new!”
My brother wanted to make a pecan pie last year for Thankgiving. My son is ana to nuts as well as diary, soy, peanuts, sesame. I objected. He backed down. There were like three things out of seven that were safe (the ones I brought.)
This year he said he was going to and then backed off citing he could make one for his family at Christmas.
Uhhh. Yeah. You can make one ANY time you want. It’s a PIE. Why is it so important versus a seven year-olds safety and feelings?