Question by BopMom: Child going to school with peanut allergy?
My 3 year old is in a preschool that has a “no peanut” policy. She has a LIFE THREATENING allergy to peanuts (she can not touch, ingest, or even breathe peanut dust from peanut packaging or she may go into anaphylactic shock).
When I send her to Kindergarten next year, peanuts are allowed at that school. Are there any parents that have dealt with this dilemma, and how have you handled it? At such a young age, she doesn’t know how to avoid foods that contain peanuts, and can not give her self a shot of epinephrine. Also, kids sharing food… What if a friend gives her something that could potentially harm her? Needless to say I am worried.
Also, for those so adamantly against banning peanuts, if your child had a life threatening allergy would you be so fervent? What are your reasons?
Mozz: No wonder you are a “top contributor”, I feel more confident already. Thanks
Best answer:
Answer by Mozz
Our school has a no-peanuts rule in the classroom. With or without an allergy, it’s a good way to keep the room peanut free – - they may have company one day. In the lunch room, there are peanut free tables. I really like the way our school does it. It’s a win-win situation for kids who really love peanut butter, and also for those who can’t be near it.
Some schools don’t have the default practice of no peanuts in the classroom but your classroom WILL. Your child’s teacher will be vigilant with this rule, and will send home at least one note to parents in the beginning of the year. That, along with her monitoring your daughter’s snacks, and the snacks of others, will ensure her good health. Parents who forget about the rule will get a follow up note.
You should know that most parents aren’t immediately aware that touching or inhaling peanuts is equally as dangerous as eating them. This is why some parents are opposed to banning peanuts. They don’t get that it goes beyond eating and call it overkill. Make a suggestion to your child’s teacher to include this in the note. If they understand it they’ll be more apt to comply happily.
Very few parents have a blatent disregard for the health of a classmate. If you’re unfortunate enough to have one of those parents, they’ll be dealt with by the teacher. It’ll be so swiftly, you probably won’t even know about it! Teachers are good advocates when we moms aren’t there.
I too have a special needs child where food plays a major role in her health. I was SICK when Gina first started school. It was like a bereavement leave! But the teachers take it very seriously. She’ll be fine! Remind her to check with her teacher every time there’s a change to her snack, or a birthday party or something with school. She’s 3 so you’ll need to review this with her regularly. But she’ll do great.
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Oh my gosh, what a nice thing to say! Thank you. I thought of something else too. I felt a LOT better after I met with the school. I entered that meeting assuming it was going to be about what’s easiest for them, and how to best dodge accountability. But I left feeling confident that Gina’s health and best interest was everybody’s priority.
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