I would like to do a quick post to urge parents of non allergic kids to think about food allergies and how it may affect others.

This is the first year in my son’s class that there are other allergic kids.   We have one child who doesn’t do milk, one child with severe allergies to ingested peanuts and of course there is my son who is gluten/dairy/soy/banana free.   All his classrooms in the past have made the rooms a banana free zone since his allergies are airborne   but this year I got to thinking just how careful I am of others?

Every day since he was 3 my son has eaten peanut butter, due to food sensitivities this is all he pretty much eats.   But I made the choice this year to be more vigilant of those around him.    We sat down and had a talk with him about allergies and how awful he feels when he eats them but that this little girl may die if she eats peanuts.    (I guess they get to sit at a table together now at lunch)  We agreed to make some changes.

I have switched his breakfast and lunches over to almond butter, and make sure there are no other snacks (such a chips fried in peanut oil) that would be contaminated with peanuts.   This way there is never a chance of peanut butter getting on his hands and getting on her desk or on paper that may be exchanged in class.

Because Almond butter in my parts of the world cost $10 vs $4 for peanut butter and because my son eats it at every meal plus some snacks it’s putting a dent in my budget.  and I thought for only a moment is it worth it (I mean he can wash hands and face) before I came up with the answer of absolutely.  I want my child safe and I want this other child safe.

I just urge everyone if you find there is a food allergy in your child’s classroom ask about it and ask what steps you can take to assure safety for that child.  wouldn’t you want that for your own?   and teach your kids respect and acceptance.   I know my child got bullied from time to time with it, kids throwing food at him or breathing all over him saying they ate a banana.   these types of kids get their behavior from the parents who care less about others so educate your children.

And when you bring in class snacks, ask around to what would be safe choices so no one is left out.   If you have ever seen the look on a child’s face when they can actually be included in a special day at school with food, its priceless…

Lets keep this school year safe for everyone.    And if you have a non allergic child, Praise God because we are not all that lucky!

Theresa