Ep. 132: Boundaries & Communication in Food Allergy Families
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Genentech for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 132:
Navigating food allergies is tough enough, but adding family dynamics to the mix can make things even more complicated. When loved ones don’t understand you or your child’s allergies or dismiss the rules meant to keep them safe, it can lead to conflict, hurt feelings, and stress for everyone involved.
Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta sit down with psychologist Dr. Amanda Whitehouse to talk about how families can find common ground when emotions run high. Together, they unpack what it means to stay regulated in difficult conversations, how to set healthy boundaries with family members, and why understanding different coping styles can help prevent conflict before it starts.
What we cover in our episode about communication and boundary-setting for food allergy families:
Coping styles and conflict: Learn how different stress responses, such as “fight” versus “flight,” shape how partners, parents, and relatives react to food allergy challenges.
Staying calm and regulated: Understand how your body reacts to stress and how recognizing those signals can help you stay grounded during tough conversations.
Setting and holding boundaries: Get practical tips for explaining what feels safe, keeping communication clear, and responding calmly when others push back.
Working together as a team: Whether it’s with your partner, kids, or extended family, learn how to support each other and stay united when emotions rise.
Bridging family differences: Explore ways to include children and siblings in allergy safety, and approach older relatives with patience and compassion when views or communication styles differ.
About our food allergy family dynamics expert:
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse, PhD is a licensed psychologist and food allergy mom who specializes in the social and emotional impact of allergic disease. She’s the creator and host of Don’t Feed the Fear, a podcast dedicated to helping families navigate anxiety, boundaries, and resilience in allergy life.
Learn more about Dr. Whitehouse’s work at thefoodallergypsychologist.com or follow her on Instagram @thefoodallergypsychologist.
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Timestamps
Our episode explores how to communicate with family when food allergies cause tension.
02:07 Common family challenges and coping styles
03:23 How to identify your coping style
06:52 Managing different comfort levels with food allergy safety
11:08 What it means to stay “regulated” in tough conversations
14:17 How to set and communicate boundaries
20:45 Working with your partner and staying on the same page
26:09 Including kids in allergy conversations
32:29 Supporting siblings without food allergies
38:18 Understanding grandparents’ communication styles
