approaching siblings - OIT Day #7

Today was a cluster. Really. None of it OIT related, but it was a cluster that started at 7:50 this morning. My oldest son (no food allergies) was afraid of something but wouldn't own up to it and tell me. By the end of the day I finally figured it out. And if he had just told me, I would have been able to get him the information he needed to no longer be afraid, or at least greatly reduce his fear. This instance was not allergy related, but the lesson is.

When armed with information, you can significantly reduce your fears and anxiety.

My OIT son is 4 years old, and my oldest is 9...a fairy mature 9 unless he is playing with his brother. So when we knew OIT was starting, I chose to pull him aside to talk to him in detail about what going to occur. I also spent over an hour with him giving him the full allergy training I give at school. He learned the signs and symptoms of a mild vs. an anaphylactic reaction and what do in those situations; he learned about labeling laws; he learned about inclusion; he learned food allergy statistics; and he learned how to administer an Auvi-Q and an EpiPen. 

I talked to my oldest about what the "rest period" during OIT meant and what I expected of him. I talked to him about it all, except the fact that his brother would be actually consuming the allergen. I told him what I told my 4 year old. That he would be taking "special peanut medicine to help with his peanut allergy." I did tell him he may eventually eat a peanut if his body accepts the medicine and it would help protect him when he goes to elementary school. He was on board as he is very well aware of the allergy risks at school. 

My hope is that I have armed my 9 year old with the information and training to not freak out in a situation. I also hope he takes this seriously and is respectful. But my biggest hope is that he has the information to not be afraid, rather he has the information to be strong and positive for his brother.

That said, my husband and I have worked very hard, (especially the first few days when everything was new) to give our oldest more attention and praise so he didn't feel in the background when we were obviously focused on this new OIT environment in our home. One-on-one dates, special reading and snuggling, notes in lunches or on their door, whatever it is (no matter how small) they can make a difference to the experience the non-OIT kid has during the initial introduction phase.