Mom Explains Why She’s Teaching Her 2-Year-Old How to Use an EpiPen, Despite Some Saying She’s Too Young (Exclusive)

Mom Teaches 2-Year-Old with Severe Allergies How to Use an EpiPen (Exclusive)

In an exclusive story, Chrisma Obiniana shares her journey of teaching her 2-year-old daughter, Kalea, how to use an EpiPen despite some questioning if she is too young. Kalea suffers from severe allergies to peanuts, cashews, and pistachios, which were discovered when she was only 3 months old. Chrisma, a nurse based in Washington state, noticed early on that Kalea was experiencing severe eczema, crying incessantly, and seemed very uncomfortable. Upon consulting with their pediatrician, it was suggested that they visit an allergist to investigate Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) and other food allergies.

The tests revealed that Kalea was allergic to peanuts, cashews, and pistachios, in addition to dairy, soy, and eggs which she has since outgrown. Chrisma took the initiative to eliminate all allergens from her diet while exclusively breastfeeding Kalea, which had a significant positive impact on her daughter’s well-being. Despite the challenges, Chrisma was determined to ensure Kalea’s safety and educate her on managing her allergies effectively.

Chrisma began teaching her eldest daughter how to use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) when Kalea was diagnosed, and later included Kalea in the lessons. Monthly sessions became a routine, encompassing discussions on food allergies, identification of safe foods, recognizing symptoms, and the crucial skill of using the EpiPen. By involving her daughters in the learning process, Chrisma aimed to empower them with the knowledge and confidence to handle food allergies.

Navigating the journey hasn’t been without hurdles, as getting Kalea to grasp the concept of when to use the EpiPen has been a challenge. Despite her young age, Kalea sometimes associates the EpiPen with general discomfort rather than specifically for food allergies. However, Chrisma’s proactive approach and persistence in educating her daughters have yielded positive results in building their understanding and preparedness for managing allergies.

Chrisma’s decision to document their experience on social media, particularly TikTok, has not only provided a platform to share their story but has also connected them with a community of individuals facing similar challenges. The positive response from viewers encouraged Chrisma to continue raising awareness about food allergies and the importance of educating children from a young age. Through her posts, Chrisma aims to offer support, guidance, and reassurance to other parents navigating the complexities of food allergies.

Reflecting on their journey, Chrisma emphasises the significance of involving the entire family in managing Kalea’s allergies. By integrating her daughters into the process and fostering open discussions, Chrisma has created a supportive environment that has alleviated the initial feelings of isolation and fear. With a newfound sense of confidence and preparedness, Chrisma and her family approach everyday activities, such as attending events and dining out, with greater ease and readiness to handle any challenges that may arise.

Chrisma’s message to parents facing similar circumstances echoes a sense of hope and resilience, highlighting that with patience, education, and a supportive network, navigating food allergies can become more manageable over time. By advocating for awareness and inclusion, Chrisma aims to empower her daughters and other families in embracing life with allergies, fostering a sense of security and preparedness in any situation.