Sending a child with food allergies to school causes stress among parents, students and teachers. I recently learned food allergies also cause considerable anxiety among parents of allergy-free children.
In our family's case, parents supply daily snacks at school. With 10 percent of the class requiring a peanut-free diet, their families take a leap of faith that their children's allergy-free peers' caregivers will supply safe snacks for the entire class.
A few hiccups and hurdles were overcome in the first couple of weeks. Each morning begins with a quick discussion with the caregivers supplying the snack to determine whether the snack is safe. If not, a backup snack sits on the shelf: Original Oreos (in place of birthday treats) and a box of crackers.
If all systems are go, the parents of the allergic kiddos smile widely knowing their babies won't be singled out and will get to eat the same snack as their peers. Most importantly, another worry-free day about accidental contact with nuts passes.
Either way, all three teachers and the allergic kiddos are notified of the appropriate snack, and the day carries on.
But for a brief moment, the caregivers who supply the snacks are put on the spot. So far they've been incredibly gracious and polite; but in some cases, you can see the look of fear in their eyes. I liken it to the look I received as a reporter when I approached public officials with a request to ask them a few questions.
That response makes sense. These moms and dads don't want to send a potentially lethal food to school. Acting responsibly for others' children adds more anxiety to these busy parents' worlds.
Some of the parents said a list of "safe snacks" would quell their fears.
Another family teamed with ours to develop a short list of nut-free snacks. We stressed the list is not a panacea. Reading a label every time a product is purchased remains necessary. Are there healthier alternatives we could add? Sure, but the list is a start.
I hope you will use it, too, so I'm sharing a copy.
Peanut Free Snacks K & D Until next time,
Tricia
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