I have a friend whose little girl goes to a school where they are not allowed to bring Peanut Butter to school. I hemmed and hawed and was pretty unsympathetic. I didn’t really “Get” how serious these nut allergies can be.
I got more understanding after reading Hectic Mom’s post about it. I related on a highly empathetic level when she wrote about a serious life and death crisis with her child.
I am so glad that hers turned out well. It was a big reality check to be more understanding about what some people have to deal with to keep their kids alive daily.
Not just “Safe”…ALIVE.
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peanut allergies are a big deal. kids who are allergic to peanuts can die within minutes if they get even a small amount in their mouth.
i’ve been though several training programs on allergens (from my last job) and they really are serious.
on the other hand…i’m a bit unsympathetic, too, because it’s not really fair to ban peanut butter ENTIRELY just b/c one kids is allergic. seems extreme.
I’ll have to read the post. I know my friend has two children with severe nut allergys. All it takes is one accident and there is the possibility they could die. It’s crazy.
My sons’ school went peanut free right about the time I started packing PB&J’s for him. At first, I was a little annoyed (he loved PB so much) but I tried to be understanding.
I was on the fence about how I felt about it, unstanding both sides. But on the “unsupportive side”, I just didn’t think it necessarily fair that children with no allergies be denied something. I figured “What next! No strawberries or milk? No wheat in their bread?”
We now have a little girl in the class who is really allergic to everything, and I’m good friends with her mom. My heart really goes out to Mom’s that have to constantly worry about such a horrible reaction to something they can’t even see.
When I put myself in those shoes, it’s very easy to be supportive of peanut-free environments… I even get nervous during paydates at my house. Wondering when the last time we had trail mix was, and if there could be traces anywhere that she may come in contact with. It’s very scary.
And, we give my boys Soy Nut Butter and Jelly sandwhiches now. They love it more than PB, and actually ask for SNB&J on the weekends over PB…
Yup, this isn’t just “Hi, I break out into hives”, it means that it could kill them.
BTW, Jess, the main reason why this school district banned peanut products entirely is because they don’t have the budget to staff each school with a nurse (And this is in silicone valley.) and they forbid teachers to help kids with their Epi pens because of lawsuit potential.
LAME, HUH?
Now, I don’t know a teacher in the world who WOULDN’T help a kid with their epi pens in a case like that, but that is the reasoning behind the ban.
This is Mason with dogs… and possibly some cats, but mainly dogs. If a dog dander/saliva gets near his nose or mouth his throat starts swelling shut. I have very little time to deal with the situation, and it gets closer to the incident every time.
A dog really could kill Mason. He is THAT allergic to them. One of the reasons that pets are not allowed at my sons school. They really shouldn’t be there anyways. The next person that tells me that he will be fine because they moved the pet to another room is going to get kicked. I promise. /sigh I also have two families in my family that have that nut allergy. The second they see the symptoms they rush their kids to the ER. Nuts are in everything…
My cousin is allergic to… get this… exercise! And no, it’s not a joke. If her heart rate goes to high, she goes into anaphylactic shock. So she has to be very careful.
My best friend Chantal was allergic to the cold. Yes, seriously. I didn’t believe her until we went out one day and she broke out in hives all over her exposed skin. Fortunately, it went away as mysteriously as it appeared. But she’s also allergic to peas and parsnips, for whatever reason.