I don’t know about you but as the economic downturn continues, playdates are seeing a surge in popularity among parents looking for cost-effective ways to keep their kids entertained. Of course, nothing can spoil the fun of a playdate like having a child experience an allergic reaction. One in four U.S. children has allergies, making allergic disease the third leading chronic disease among children. Despite the prevalence of allergies, a recent national survey found that only three percent of parents answered “most concerned” when asked about children’s exposure to indoor allergens when planning a playdate.

During the time that I was working for a leading allergy doctor, I was visiting a friend when I observed a shocking allergic reaction occur.  Curtis was allergic to peanuts and his family did everything they could to help him avoid them.  Unfortunately, while we were there, he brushed his hand against the empty counter where a knife had been laying that had been used in the peanut butter. He then touched his cheek.  Within seconds, his cheek had a huge welt, he became flushed and needed to be treated with a fast acting antihistamine.  I was stunned and it has vividly remained in my mind ever since.

To help us all out and for a happier, healthier – and less stressful – playdate, you can now download the FREE Guide to the ABCs of Playdates and Allergies at www.PlaygroupsUSA.com, brought to you by Playgroups USA in partnership with Clorox.  Playgroups USA is a national organization that helps thousands of parents and caregivers form playgroups.

The guide will tell you:

· Who are the uninvited guests at your playdates (think dust mites, pet dander, mold, and germs) and how do you give them a “time out”?

· What do parents need to know about every child that comes to a playdate?

· If your child has serious allergies, what do you need to know before going to a playdate?

· How do you handle the “etiquette” of playdate planning, when some parents are less attuned to the ABCs of healthy playdates?

So take a minute and download the guide…you will be so glad that you did!