Food Allergies, Kids, and Classrooms

I have read a few articles this week on whether or not parents and classrooms should accommodate children with food allergies.  This topic sparks strong emotion because we are so passionate about our children, our food, and where the boundaries should be drawn when it comes to food in the classroom.

My husband and I have been watchful, observant, vigilant parents of food allergic children throughout many stages of their lives.  They were diagnosed with food allergies before they could walk or talk.  We have learned how to safely navigate playdates and daycare. We are now in the trenches of elementary school, and middle school and high school are not too far away. 

We have dealt with many of the issues described in the articles (links below).  I question whether or not food and snacking should even be allowed in the classroom.  I wonder what the response is from other parents when they learn that they need to alter their snacks to accommodate my son’s needs.  I reflect on what my reaction would be if I was asked to accommodate another child.  I can only share what I know is right for my family.  But I share it, because I think it will be helpful for others when they ask the same questions. 

Each request and each decision we make is based on weighing the risk with the reward.  Handing over our their care to another person is never taken lightly.  If we find that the risk is too great, we either opt out, or we make a change.  Choosing to make a change takes work, resources, time, and enthusiasm, but it comes with great reward for our children.  We have donated our resources by substituting almond butter with peanut butter for the daycare group snacks.  We have collaborated with teachers to find substitutions for food based play and activities.  We volunteer in the classroom.  We lead by example.

The articles can argue about whether or not everyone should make a change for the few, but the plain and simple truth of food allergies, celiac, and diabetes is that any food that is consumed should follow these simple rules:

•    Read the ingredients of every food, every time.  No label?  Say, “No thank you”.
•    Children with severe food allergies and other dietary issues should only eat food that is approved by their parents.  Send your child to school with a stash of food they can eat.  Label it, give it to the teacher, and it will be there when it is needed.
•   Homemade foods are a big no-no.  In addition to not knowing the ingredient list and preparation techniques, you run the risk of having a cookie with dog hair in it! 

Each new school year we revisit the fact that others do not and cannot understand the implications of having a potentially lethal food allergy and how that translates to a safe school environment.  It is either by a lack of empathy or a lack of understanding.  Our responses to the issues are directed by education, awareness, and relentless advocacy for helping to ensure the safety of our children at school.  That being said, we have also been humbled by others efforts to be inclusive, accommodating, and agreeable to helping make the school environment a safe place for learning.  We thank you.

Now what to do about food in the classrooms?  I will follow up with that on my next post because it is a big topic with big change ideas.  Stay tuned.

LINKS:

• The topic was sparked by an article from a mom who wondered why her child needs to be denied their birthday cupcake at school due to food allergies and gluten intolerance from other children in the classroom.  Here is the link: Don't Ruin My Kids Birthday
• In response to her article, another mom wrote about allowing science and empathy guide decisions about how to celebrate birthdays in the classroom.  Here is the link:  Empathy and Science
• Another suggests that food not be allowed at schools and that celebrations at school do not need to be centered on food.  He also reminds the reader that we are talking about advocating for keeping children safe at school.  Here is the link:  Gluten Dude