Peanut free classroom this year...

[cosmicdaisy]

Peanut allergies are a hot button issue right now, it will be something else a few years from now.

BTW, how did those with allergies survive to adulthood prior to schools banning nuts?

Actually...peanut allergies have been a "hot button issue" for several years now and I expect food allergies to continue to be one. Or, maybe, in a few years they won't be an issue because everyone will agree that a child's life is more important than a peanut.

The thing is, before peanuts were banned from schools, for all we know, less kids may have actually survived to adulthood.

 

[C.Ann]

Haven't read the entire thread, but I have one comment and a few questions..

The comment is that the idea of sequestering an entire classroom to accomodate the needs of one child doesn't seem entirely fair to me.. Not sure what the solution is, but I wouldn't be very happy if my child were in that particular classroom..

As for the questions - what happens when these children with peanut allergies enter the 7th grade? Where they are changing classrooms for every subject (where desks could be contaminated) and everyone eats in the cafeteria? How about 9th grade - when kids are going to bring whatever they want to school for lunch or a snack? At some point, there is going to be peanut contamination..

I don't have any answers - just wondering how this will be handled in the higher gardes?

 

[EnchantedPrincess]

I think sometimes it is very hard for someone who doesn't deal with food allergies, or does not have kids with food allergies to understand this whole food allergies issue. My dd was allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts, wheat and shrimp until recently - she has outgrew all her allergies accept for peanuts and tree nuts and wheat. She is severely allergic to all kind of nuts, and wheat. My ds is also allergic to nuts and also dairy. I carry an epipen with me at all times, the school nurse has an epipen for my 5 yo dd, and anytime she goes on field trip, the nurse has to make sure that her teachers take the epipen with her and all her teachers are trained to administer it should it be required. Now, while I would never request that a school be peanut free, I would never think that it is an unreasonable request if another parents should make that request. I have taught my daughter to not take food from other kids, and not eat anything that she has no idea what it is...BUT she IS only 5, and she is just a kid!! Peanut allergy can be life threatening, and why put another child at risk? There are so many other options for lunches and snack.

 

[crisi]

Actually...peanut allergies have been a "hot button issue" for several years now and I expect food allergies to continue to be one. Or, maybe, in a few years they won't be an issue because everyone will agree that a child's life is more important than a peanut.

The thing is, before peanuts were banned from schools, for all we know, less kids may have actually survived to adulthood.

It actually seems more likely to me with the direction allergies (more common, more severe, across a wider spectrum) are going that we will recognize that we can't make accommodation for everyone. Peanuts, nuts, milk, latex, bees, eggs, soy, etc. - all can be life threatening allergies - and its impossible to remove every allergen from the public sphere. Then there are the sensitivities - scent, gluten, lactose - that won't kill you, but can keep life from being pleasant for you. And the triggers - like mold, pollen - for conditions such as asthma. So we will have to adapt to a different world - one where kids with allergies, sensitivities and triggers may have to restrict their actions in public.

 

[LadyShea]

There are simply many, many more with severe food allergies today than when we were kids.

Thirty years ago, food allergy was extremely rare. Today, 4.3 million U.S. children suffer from the life-threatening condition. In fact, the number of children suffering with peanut allergy alone doubled in five years (1997-2002) — and the numbers continue to grow. source http://www.childrensmemorial.org/depts/allergy/study.aspx

 

[cosmicdaisy]

As for the questions - what happens when these children with peanut allergies enter the 7th grade? Where they are changing classrooms for every subject (where desks could be contaminated) and everyone eats in the cafeteria? How about 9th grade - when kids are going to bring whatever they want to school for lunch or a snack? At some point, there is going to be peanut contamination..

I don't have any answers - just wondering how this will be handled in the higher gardes?

When my DD starts middle school (6th grade here) she will be able to carry her medicine. She is not allowed to now...but she has medicine in the classroom and in the office and her teacher has placed her inhaler, epipens, and zyrtec into a basket so it can be toted where ever DD goes. (art, computer lab, music, gym, lunchroom, etc.)

I hope that by the time we get there (middle school & above), students around her will know more about FAs and I hope that my own DD will be more confident in sharing this knowledge with those around her. She is still shy and nervous and easily embarrassed. By that time as well, DD will know better how to handle herself, she will know how to administer her medicine herself...this is actually something we are slowly working on.

Seriously though...there are so many things I think about. Like not sharing chapstick (among other things). My mind drifts to college and the possible things she may share with others Her first kiss will be prefaced by "have you had any milk products today?" (which she currently still believes she can't do until she's 18) Just a glimpse into the mind of a parent with a food allergic kid....

 

[cosmicdaisy]

It actually seems more likely to me with the direction allergies (more common, more severe, across a wider spectrum) are going that we will recognize that we can't make accommodation for everyone. Peanuts, nuts, milk, latex, bees, eggs, soy, etc. - all can be life threatening allergies - and its impossible to remove every allergen from the public sphere. Then there are the sensitivities - scent, gluten, lactose - that won't kill you, but can keep life from being pleasant for you. And the triggers - like mold, pollen - for conditions such as asthma. So we will have to adapt to a different world - one where kids with allergies, sensitivities and triggers may have to restrict their actions in public.

You know, I can't disagree with you. But it definitely makes me sad to think about your last statement

 

[krismom]

OP here with an update-
the Teacher / Principal has decided to keep the classroom a peanut free zone which means that they will be eating in the room every day. I am really disappointed since I thought we (the Mom's who asked for a meeting) came up with some good ideas. The only alternative they gave us was to pick up our child and give them lunch at home. I brought up the fact that if we did- and gave them a peanut butter sandwich- this could pose more harm to the child with allergies. They insist that the hand washing every time they enter the room will work. Seriously, I don't want to pick him every day for lunch just to prove a point... and I'm fine with the no nuts policy! (He can eat all the PB&J's he wants after school) but I really don't like the fact they have to be isolated in the classroom as a result. I'm not so sure I want to make an issue of it- but it doesn't seem to be starting off the year on the right foot.
Thanks to all who offered suggestions- and input.

 

[C.Ann]

OP here with an update-
the Teacher / Principal has decided to keep the classroom a peanut free zone which means that they will be eating in the room every day. I am really disappointed since I thought we (the Mom's who asked for a meeting) came up with some good ideas. The only alternative they gave us was to pick up our child and give them lunch at home. I brought up the fact that if we did- and gave them a peanut butter sandwich- this could pose more harm to the child with allergies. They insist that the hand washing every time they enter the room will work. Seriously, I don't want to pick him every day for lunch just to prove a point... and I'm fine with the no nuts policy! (He can eat all the PB&J's he wants after school) but I really don't like the fact they have to be isolated in the classroom as a result. I'm not so sure I want to make an issue of it- but it doesn't seem to be starting off the year on the right foot.
Thanks to all who offered suggestions- and input.

---------------------------

I'm sorry to hear that the school wasn't willing to compromise on this and entertain any of the alternatives suggested.. I'm even sorrier that the entire class has to be isolated from an experience that most children really enjoy at that age..

As for picking him up every day for lunch? That's about the most ridiculous "solution" I have ever heard.. He still wouldn't be having the experience of eating in the cafeteria with the other kids..

 

[wildfan1473]

I haven't had a chance to read through all of this while I'm at work, but my son just started Kindergarten, and he also has someone in his class with a peanut allergy. The cafeteria has a peanut-free zone where they not only sterilize the table and benches daily, but they also use plastic tablecloths. I think this is ok, but what I don't like is that this child's mother is the only one who is providing snacks for the class - I can't even send in birthday treats for my son, despite it being ok in the school to do it.

 

[I_Know_You2!]

OP here with an update-
the Teacher / Principal has decided to keep the classroom a peanut free zone which means that they will be eating in the room every day. I am really disappointed since I thought we (the Mom's who asked for a meeting) came up with some good ideas. The only alternative they gave us was to pick up our child and give them lunch at home. I brought up the fact that if we did- and gave them a peanut butter sandwich- this could pose more harm to the child with allergies. They insist that the hand washing every time they enter the room will work. Seriously, I don't want to pick him every day for lunch just to prove a point... and I'm fine with the no nuts policy! (He can eat all the PB&J's he wants after school) but I really don't like the fact they have to be isolated in the classroom as a result. I'm not so sure I want to make an issue of it- but it doesn't seem to be starting off the year on the right foot.
Thanks to all who offered suggestions- and input.

I'm sorry. It seems to me that your feelings are pretty rational, and the school is not thinking about the big picture.

 

[Ellester]

You know, I can't disagree with you. But it definitely makes me sad to think about your last statement

You know, it really isn't that different from how it has always been for some people. I am extremely allergic to cats and always have been (thankfully it has lessened some as I've gotten older). The dander can send me instantly into an asthma attack, as a young child I visited the doctor for adrenalin shots several times a year. As a child I missed playdates, birthday parties, slumber parties, etc. because the hosts had a cat. I've had reactions from people whose clothes have cat hair on them from their houses. Same thing goes for mold and mildew. I remember having to change hotels on vacation after a room turned out to be too mildewy for me to stay in safely. Not trying to start a pity party, but avoiding allergens has always been a way of life for some people.

I was also allergic to peanuts when I was little, thankfully I grew out of it. I do remember having to eat a plain piece of bread in second grade for lunch one day when I forgot my lunchbox at home, didn't have lunch money, and couldn't eat the PB sandwich they provided to other kids in the same situation. I never forgot my lunch again!

To the OP, I'm sorry the administration wasn't willing to work with you. It does seem unfair when there are other options available. I'm sure your son will adapt, but it's too bad that he's disappointed in "missing out" on the excitement of the lunchroom.

 

[stephbillalec]

amen sister!!!! very well said

I second that amen, mickeymom1! Nice post thecookingqueen!

 

[Stasieki]

It is such a tough situation. My niece has a severe peanut allergy and had to be helped by an ambulance when she was 3. In her school, she had to eat in the classroom, but by herself (it was kinda sad, but I understood) and a teacher stayed with her (so I guess the teacher didn't get a "break" either - maybe they switched off). She is now 9 and can ask friends if something has peanuts, etc. I just think at that age they share food alot. It happened at a Christmas party when she was 4. A little girl gave her a chocolate dipped peanut butter ritz cracker. The peanut butter was hidden by the chocolate and the other 4 year old didn't know she was allergic. Thank goodness for the Epi pen - within about 5 seconds her throat was closing shut. So scary. I can understand both sides. Hope it works out for you.

 

[Mandychelle79]

it is extremely rare, ive never even seena documented case, of milk, wheat or soy causing anaphylactic shock. i would assume if a child had such a severe reaction to milk they would allert the school. but again, its not a common problem. i even took the time to look it up and found nothing on it.
a peanut allergy is the cause of anaphalxis in millions of people. so it makes sense that a school would choose to be peanut free.

HMMM my daughters allergist had us carry an epi-pen when she was diagnosed with her milk allergy. BTW the reason we had to take her to the allergist was because of her reaction to cheese curls which was eerily similar to when I went into Anaphylactic shock with a bee sting.....

 

[brymolmom]

OP here with an update-
the Teacher / Principal has decided to keep the classroom a peanut free zone which means that they will be eating in the room every day. I am really disappointed since I thought we (the Mom's who asked for a meeting) came up with some good ideas. The only alternative they gave us was to pick up our child and give them lunch at home. I brought up the fact that if we did- and gave them a peanut butter sandwich- this could pose more harm to the child with allergies. They insist that the hand washing every time they enter the room will work. Seriously, I don't want to pick him every day for lunch just to prove a point... and I'm fine with the no nuts policy! (He can eat all the PB&J's he wants after school) but I really don't like the fact they have to be isolated in the classroom as a result. I'm not so sure I want to make an issue of it- but it doesn't seem to be starting off the year on the right foot.
Thanks to all who offered suggestions- and input.

I am sorry. One question - is there another classroom where you can insist your child be moved? If not - I would certainly insist on not being in the same classroom with the allergic child next year if their best option is making you stay in the classroom all day.

 

[Nancyg56]

I love your sarcastic attitude. At home, my son eats pretty much anything.... at school he only wants PBJ. Im more concerned for him than other peoples kids. My family shouldnt have to change for someone else. The kids need to be taught how to deal.

The kids will "deal" but cannot always at this age. These are youngsters and as they get older they will be better prepared to stay safe. I don't know what the answer is but I do know that if a child has a life threatening allergy I would not insist he or she deal with it while feeding my kid PB&J because that is the "school" lunch. If my child eats anything at home you can bet he would be eating a little more of that anything at school.

My DGD has allergies, thankfully they are not life threatening, she just gets sick and her throat gets "itchy". It is hard to deal with on a daily basis but her school and the parents are very supportive, not just of her but of each child with allergies. They address each as individuals and a plan is made dependent upon the severity of the allergy. Unless a parent is affected by some of the allergies it is impossible to understand how the kids are affected. It is much worse if the child is penalized for the allergy by the parents of his classmates. We were shocked when my DH cousin wife told us she refuses to "deal" with allergies. The kid can just eat somewhere else. I guess she was not alone and this attitude may be why some schools are backed into corners with rules rather that requests for courtesy toward each other and a little compassion as well.

I don't understand segregating the class all day, that seems reactive rather than proactive.

 

[JackJack08]

I am sitting here thinking....they are peanuts people. My kids are VERY picky vegetarians. Both of them. We have a nut-free (meaning all) school. In this country, we have thousands of choices, as to what to send our kids for lunch. That itself is a luxury. I just don't get it. Why would you want to put a child at risk of dying....yes dying....because you can't think of anything creative to give them for lunch? Perspective people......perspective.

 

[krismom]

I am sitting here thinking....they are peanuts people. My kids are VERY picky vegetarians. Both of them. We have a nut-free (meaning all) school. In this country, we have thousands of choices, as to what to send our kids for lunch. That itself is a luxury. I just don't get it. Why would you want to put a child at risk of dying....yes dying....because you can't think of anything creative to give them for lunch? Perspective people......perspective.

I agree with you and am fine with not sending in nuts or peanut products. My issue was with the class being held in solitary confinement at lunchtime!

 

[JackJack08]

I agree with you and am fine with not sending in nuts or peanut products. My issue was with the class being held in solitary confinement at lunchtime!

I know. I do kind of understand your situation. But again...my kids eat in their classrooms as well. We don't even have a cafeteria. They manage just fine. I understand your kids are eating in their classroom while everyone else is in the cafeteria. My kids eat (shouldn't be up running around anyway) and then head out for recess for 1/2 hour. I was the one who suggested maybe making it "special" when they eat in their room. Movies, music, special themed lunches. It really could be turned into a positive, if you had some parents that are really bothered by this and are willing to put some thought and time into it. Perhaps this is a good time to talk to them about having empathy for their fellow students. They may become kind of protective over their fellow student with the allergy. Kids need to learn to be tolerant and this could be a good example. They are looking out for this friend and don't want he/she to become sick. Sometimes uncomfortable, or unfair situations, teach us valuable lessons.