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07.25.08, 14:18 PM Preschool/Kids
24 replies
question - my kid will be starting preschool in the fall and has three allergies (dairy, egg, and peanut). i know the school will be doing it's best to wipe down tables, have kids wash hands etc. i want to make sure my kid is safe, but i also don't want to be known as that overprotective mom with the allergic kid. what is the best way for me to make allies out of the other parents? [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
Preschool/Kids 07.25.08, 02:18 PM Flag
 

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Meet with the teacher or school administrator beforehand - teachers will need epi-pens etc. - most schools in my experience clearly post signs on classroom door indicating that there is a child with allergies and let the parents of other classmates know that there is a child w/allergies. There are "no nut" classrooms and even "no nut" schools. You may also qualify to get a SEIT who can attend specifically to make sure that your dc does not eat any potentially dangerous foods. At my child's camp, there are signs on the door saying "No food with peanuts allowed" "No strawberries" etc. Schools take allergies seriously. If they don't, change schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 02:27 PM Flag
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At my DC's camp, the counselors check lunch bags at drop off. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.29.08, 04:00 PM Flag
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I have the same situation and it is SO difficult to let go and send them to preschool. My daughter started last fall. I have found that the best thing for me to do is just to talk to the other parents. Once people have met me and my daughter and understand the situation, they usually go way out of their way to be careful. I've had several people make special birthday cakes so my daughter can enjoy the cake at a party. I was really surprised by that. Still, I quiz the school staff like crazy and they probably do think I'm the annoying overprotective mom. You probably will get a comfort level with this at some point, but not a day goes by that I'm not freaking out a little during snack time. Good luck to you! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 02:36 PM Flag
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what happens to your dc if exposed? does she develop anaphylaxis, or something else? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 03:07 PM Flag
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OP - it's an anaphylactic response to dairy - hives, itching, eyes swelling, trouble breathing (she even has a reaction when dairy touches her skin - huge hives the size of golf balls) - luckily peanuts and eggs are far less severe, just a mild itching - but have been told to treat it as something that could progress for safety. it seems that she outgrowing the peanuts and eggs, but the dairy is getting worse. Thanks for all the suggestions by the way! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 03:51 PM Flag
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I would think a seit would be necessary for a dc with a risk of anaphylaxis. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 05:18 PM Flag
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SEITs are for special education; not allergies. The OP would have to apply for a paraprofessional with a 504 form. SEITs are for other issues - learning issues, behavioral issues (ADHD), sensory issues, etc. as part of an IEP (individualized educational plan) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 06:25 AM Flag
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ok, but you know what she meant, right? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.28.08, 06:47 AM Flag
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I did, but I wanted to help her know the difference so she didn't waste a lot of time filling out the wrong paperwork. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.29.08, 05:49 AM Flag
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What do you expect everyone to do? No snacks? Nothing but carrot sticks? I think that you are the one who has to learn to live in the world of the otehr parents....your kid has to be taught not to share food, you have to send along a vegan dessert to birthday parties, you have to host your own playdates. You can't expect parents not to send in cupcakes for their kids' birthdays. The nut thing shouldn't be an issue because all schools are nut free. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 11:24 AM Flag
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OP never said that she expected other parents to not send in snacks. Get over your hostility, k? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 01:15 PM Flag
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OP - i never said no snacks - did you actually read what i wrote? i wanted to know how to approach other parents - i want them as an ally in keeping my kid safe. you see i know that i am going to meet parents like you who don't know and don't care about what could happen to my kid if she ate dairy. and i don't want to forbid kids from having snacks i just want to keep my kid safe. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 01:31 PM Flag
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My dd had a little girl with same issues in her pre-school class. The teachers had done a very good job of making her classmates allies. So much so that I knew to pickup special cupcakes when I brought some infor my dd's b-day. Even still allthe kids kept telling me that X couldn't have any because she was allergic to eggs. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:33 PM Flag
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So what is it that you want them to do? You want them not to bring in cupcakes for birthdays or pack dairy in lunchboxes? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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OP, don't listen to that idiot above. My dcs have NO allergy issues and I completely empathize with you- I am thankful they don't & know it isn't your fault. Anyway, I know that one mom with a severely allergic dc in my child's class keeps "approved" treats in the school fridge/cupboard for special snacks (dairy/gluten free cupcakes for instance). That way, her dc gets to enjoy the special event safely. And they are diligent about wiping, no sharing, etc. Good luck. I'm sure dc will be OK. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:18 PM Flag
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As the parent of an incredibly healthy child. The best way to make me an ally is to make it easy for me. If I can't send peanut butter, please tell me what I can use instead. Send me your egg-free cupcake recipe. Let me know if jello or applesause is ok. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:23 PM Flag
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^^^The reality is you've already done all the hard work to figure out what your kid can be around. Share as much of that info with the other parents in a way that makes it easy for them to comply. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:25 PM Flag
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??? Almost nobody can send peanut butter anymore. Who ever heard of jello or applesauce NOT being OK. Weird. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:27 PM Flag
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My kids can and doeat anything and thrive, so I generally don't pay attention to what's ok or not. I appreciate the parent that just spells it out. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:36 PM Flag
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OP - thanks! i really appreciate that answer - because that's what i want to do for other parents - make it easier for them (i would totally be the parent who wouldn't mind being in charge of the allergy free snacks so other parents wouldn't have to be thinking - is what i'm making ok? i would do that). and some of the ideas about keeping food at the school are great! thanks so much! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:31 PM Flag
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Some of the parents WANT to do the snacks. Just make it easy for them to select the correct foods. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:38 PM Flag
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make it easy on others and start teaching your dc what s/he can eat/can't eat. i also find that most people are really sensitive to allergies these days. I'd be a little overprotective if i were in your shoes too, to be honest [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 03:30 PM Flag
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You don't need to amke allies with the other parents. When your child has a playdate, make sure you communicate dc's needs clearly. As for school, they school with communicate with the other parents the schools food policy. The other parents will follow them. But you need to make sure you keep a supply of acceptable snacks for your dc at the school. You need to keep up with the calendar and make sure you bring an alternative treat when there will be parties and special events at school. You need to make sure that you teach your child not to eat anyone elses food. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 05:04 PM Flag
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I agree with this. You shouldn't be approaching the other parents. And you shouldn't be limiting what the other kids have for snack either. You should supply all of the food for your child and the teachers should know to serve only that food to your child. Your child should be taught not to touch other children's food. But you can't insist that every child eat dairy free, egg free food. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.28.08, 06:54 AM Flag
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