Peanuts...

What the others said was great !!! I would also add that it would be a good thing for her to show you how to use an epipen so you feel comfertable with the device if in any case you needed to use it. I have one and I showed my kids (8 and 7) how to use it because their sister (almost 2) has many allergies (peanuts being only one of them). It's a special epipen to practice (it wont release the medication or needle. Having benadryl on hand is also a great thing.

You need to take simple precautions like washing your hands and mouth after you eat. If you prepare food for her, just make sure you don't cross contaminate. Use ustensile only for her and make sur the surface you use is clean.

Give her plenty of hugs !!! I keep food with allergen in my house (otherwise you could not eat much anymore). My kids are educated about it, they know how to keep their sister safe and espacially no food sharing with her. As she gets older, we will educate her to take the precaution herself and be responsable about it. We don't want her to be a victim.

I have a daughter with a severe peanut allergy and asthma so it is doubly dangerous but I can understand and appreciate how you feel.

The first thing that I can say that makes me mad when a family member is taking care of my daughter is that the peanut allergy is no big deal. IT IS. Read packages and labels. If the label says that the product may have been produced on a machine that also uses peanut products don't give it to her. If you have any doubt - it is best you don't give it to her.

Explain to your sister that you are afraid that you may give her something that had peanuts or that she may be exposed to it while she is with you - it is understandable and it may clear the air. You have to be honest with her and she may be able to explain to you how she wants things done - whether you want it done her way or not - listen to her. It is her child.

Hope things work out well between you.

I certainly understand what you're going through! First I have peanut allergy and can't even smell peanut products with out getting nauseous. My last reaction (someone cooked pasta with peanut oil) landed me in the hospital with severe asthma attack not to mention horrible hives. It is definitely a pain in the neck and the mom is going to have to make sure that anyone who takes care of the child is aware of the allergy. Mostly when the child gets to be of pre-school age and they start making peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches. Nowadays Epipens are carried by the person with the allergy. (have mom as the doctor about how early that can start)

For you (worried aunt) I think this is a good time to re-establish sisterhood with your sister. Maybe you and her can go out alone sometime without the kids. Get to talk to her without all the noise and distraction of the kids - go to dinner or a movie and laugh and talk about the funny things you did as kids. Listen to her concerns and try not to counter what she says. Just learn how to be her friend again. You'd be surprise how much tension between adults is simply caused by the pressure of taking care of kids! It's quite amazing!

And certainly don't let fear rule your thinking. YOU ARE A GREAT AUNT! A good book to read is "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers, PH.D. This book helped me in many areas of my life.

Try to think of creative ways that you can caretake so that it is comfortable for you without setting off alarms - I don't know all the details but discuss the actual cartetaking tasks with your sister and see how the adults can share the responsibility around the areas that make you uncomfortable.

When my brother and I both became parents about the same time, there was a degree of tension in our relationship. It took a while but we are great friends now!

Don't despair - write an affirmation statement and read it everyday. Something like, "I am having a wonderful relationship with my sister, my nieces and nephews. We resolve conflict easily and effortlessly and we are happy to be in each other's presence. Any conflict is worked out in calm discussion. The power of my positive thoughts brings peace to those who are thinking of me." carry it with you in your pocketbook!

Hi, my seven year old has anaphylaxis to peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs! My house is completely nut free, but of course I cannot expect others to do the same. Everyone I know, I've trained to administer the epi-pen, and when we do go to the homes of families or friends, they clean their homes and put any nut products in a safe place where my son or the other kids cannot get to. Usually I have people come over to my house where it is much easier for everyone. I make sure that if anyone has eaten a candy bar or any nut product, they wash their hands and brush their teeth to prevent any cross contamination of the allergen. I read labels...alot! My friends and family are getting in the habit of reading labels as well. Remember, this is not a nut-free world...so unfortunately children eventually will come in contact with the allergen, you just have to be prepared with the epi-pen and benadryl and of course a phone to call for the paramedics as the epi-pen only lasts for 15-20 and because of the side effects of epinephrine injections. Preparation is key!!!! I hope this helps. :-)