The Girl Who Cannot Eat Peanut Butter: Interview With Sharon Chisvin
There are many books out there about how to explain food allergies to your child, Elika Kormeili, Founder of Center For Healthy and Happy Living, interviews Sharon Chisvin about her journey and her book The Girl Who Cannot Eat Peanut Butter.
What was it like for you as a parent of a child with food allergies?
“At first it was frightening and a little overwhelming because I hadn’t heard about food allergies and I didn’t know any other parents who were dealing with the issue. However, as I began to read about the topic and become better informed, I began to feel calmer and more in control of the situation. It was a tremendous help to join a support group and be able to discuss the issue with other parents going through the same thing”.
What is the toughest part of raising a child with food allergies?
“The toughest part is being ever vigilant, trusting you child to make the right decision and trusting other people (teachers, parents of her friends etc.)”
What was your goal when writing your new book The Girl Who Cannot Eat Peanut Butter?
“My goal was to help my daughter feel better about being different than all the other kids in her class, to reinforce for her the importance of being careful with regards to food, and to inform others about what it meant to have a food allergy and the kinds of precautions that need to be taken.”
How would you say your book is different from other books on food allergies?
“I think my book is different than others for a number of reasons. First of all, it is about children, not animals. It rhymes, so it is easier to read, to listen to and to remember. And it deals with a serious subject in an entertaining and positive way. It is educational but also engaging, and is straightforward and simple. It also reminds children that everyone has something that makes him or her different, and that being different is perfectly okay. “
Thank you Sharon for sharing your story and your book.
Have you read Sharon’s book? Would you like to share your experience with food allergies?