Comments on: Back To School: Dealing with Food Allergies in the Classroom

By: Gina

Gina — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:13:26 +0000

Thanks for these really helpful tips. We just learned of my son’s food sensitivities this summer (eggs & citrus, likely dairy & gluten, no HFCS or food color) and, while we’ve dealt with them at home, we’re starting to experience the challenges of sending him out without our guidance. He went to a playdate where they had muffins, then popsicles for snacks and he couldn’t have any of it. Since he’s not a big snacker at home, I didn’t even think to bring his own.

Now I realize that I need to always be prepared for these situations. At school, friends’ homes, parties, etc. I’m looking for good cupcake recipes that don’t use eggs so we can freeze a bunch for events. The tips here are helpful too – I’ve got 4 weeks until school starts to figure this out!

Thanks for the help.

By: Endangered Species Chocolate

Endangered Species Chocolate — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:18:40 +0000

Wow, we’re honored to be one of the snacks you pack for your children! It must take lots of work to make sure your children are only eating food that are safe for them, and you’re doing a great job at it!

Thanks for your support!

Amanda Chau
Endangered Species Chocolate

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:59:04 +0000

Sounds like there is a lot of planning and education going on and to be honest that is what I’ve found to be the best possible protection for my anaphylactic child too. I think mother’s who constantly bake and prepare endless ‘special’ meals and treats should be rewarded. I know for me the best reward is to see him happy and not feeling left out, because often his treats are tastier. You talked about lunches, have you seen disposable food bags, which can keep food warm in ovens, made by Allergy Kidz ware? There are some other wonderful products we’ve found we can’t live without… check out:
http://www.allergykidzware.com.au
I say “houray to Moms”!!!

By: Katie

Katie — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:58:35 +0000

I’m very thankful that I don’t have to deal with food allergies with my kids (we do deal with Asthma though), but I am much more relaxed about it because the school they attend is FANTASTIC about addressing those issues. I was room mom for one of the classes last year and I was made aware of all foodallergy issues of the kids in the class, so when it came to class party time, we knew what we could and couldn’t bring. It just made it so much easier because you knew if you had to worry or not. It’s all about the teachers/staff building a cooperative environment. You could even ask my sons who was allergic to what and they’d tell you. “Oh mom, so and so is allergic to peanuts, so be sure to tell me if I have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich so I can sit at the ‘peanut butter table’ away from him.” I heard that many times and was super proud of my son for being so aware of his friends!

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:00:23 +0000

Most important – Your child has to be their own advocate. S/he needs to know what s/he can’t eat and to say NO – loud and clear.

They need to read all packaging. My kinder teacher taught me to read the word peanut and every time I was given something in a package she read the ingredients with me.

The child needs to know their own body and what a reaction feels like. S/he needs to know that you will back them if they stand their ground and demand that you be called. When a bully smeared peanut butter on me, I screamed the office down til they called my Mom. She rushed me to the ER – and my doctor read the principal and Nurse the riot act.

Please please please communicate with all your child’s teachers in elementary school. I’ve taught specials class (tech) for 4 years – and never had a parent give me a heads up about allergies. The kids have told me because I had rules about lunch kits and food in my room to protect me.

A couple of times with art club, soccer club, choir provided snacks. I sounded the alarm about peanuts in the food. The teachers were never told the kids were allergic and – the kids 3 – 5th grades didn’t check the labels.

Because I raised a fuss – our nurse got permission to make a list by grade level listing children and their allergies/medical issues. I can’t imagine not talking to coach if your kid was allergic to fire ants.

Also about lunch kits – At my school each grade has a box that they put all the lunch kits in. The reasoning makes sense. The teachers pick up their kids from specials, take them to recess, then to wash their hands, and to lunch. One container with handles that 2 kids can be sent to pick up is convenient.

After I landed in the ER from picking up a lunch kit with a trace of peanut on the outside, I voiced concern about this. The kids with allergies as sever as mine are responsible for taking their lunch kits to recess/lunch.