NWR, obvi. Let's talk kids & peanut allergies

justtoday · May 2011

I don't post a lot on here, but I read an article about this recently, and some of the comments were really interesting. Parents of non-allergic kids were concerned about the potential responsibility of their own young children. For example, they were worried that even though they reiterate to their 6 year old what they can't bring to school, and only send safe snacks, the child might still not understand and would sneak in Halloween candy to school or something like that.

Obviously parents should be diligent, but something might slip through, and they don't want their very young child to be responsible for another child's death.

I'm not sure how I feel about the whole thing, or how far is too far with peanut bans and whatnot, but I thought it was an interesting perspective.

overloaded · May 2011

My son is in 2nd grade and I hope he will outgrow it, but I dont think so. We do educate him on foods he can and can not eat and he knows what foods not to eat. I dont agree with a peanut free school, but I would like a safe zone for my son to eat his lunch. If another kid opens a pack of peanuts for lunch and my son is sitting right next to him then he would break out in hives and is throat will swell shut. I think my sons school stops the peanut free table in 5th grade. I think thats a good cut off.

eviltwin13 · May 2011

My dad developed a deadly peanut allergy in his 50s. He didn't realize what was happening right away, though he was actually having small reactions that were getting more intense each time, until one day he collapsed on the subway and woke up in the hospital. He could have easily died - luckily he passed out in the subway car, not on the platform; otherwise he could have fallen onto the tracks.

It's too simplistic to group people into those who have allergies and those who don't. I know many people who had certain allergies as a child and grew out of them, while others, like my dad, developed them later in life. In these sorts of situations, when decisions are being made, I always ask myself how I would want to be treated. You NEVER KNOW when it might be your turn.

The irony is, if my dad had known more about food allergies from having affected friends or classmates growing up, he probably would have recognized his own symptoms and possibly caught his own developing problem before it got out of hand.

wyney · May 2011

I know it sucks for the kids, but if a child has a life-threatening airborne allergy, I think they should be sent to special schools, subsidized. Not socially ideal...of course. When it merely inconveniences faculty, students, and parents to accommodate, I say accommodate.

But when you're drastically limiting the diets of hundreds of other children in the district, you could be setting up large groups of children for poorer health.

Each individual life is important, of course. Especially a child's. Especially your child's. But nutrition is an important part of public health, and I think limiting other children's diets so drastically isn't right either. The horrible truth is, some children will die from freak accidents, allergies, etc. Precautions should be taken, but within understanding that we cannot protect them from everything.

overloaded · May 2011

What a heartless comment. I volunteer at my sons school in the lunchroom and removing peanut products from the menu does not effect the childs nutrition.What effecst their nutrition is all the fried foods with high trans fat and fruit in heavy syrup.

lyndausvi · May 2011

I read that TN post and I think it's 100% appropriate to have a peanut-free school in pre-school. Kids that age put EVERYTHING in their mouths. They also play with their food, smear things around, etc. There is just way too much that can go wrong.

I think by 3rd grade or so they should have peanut-free zones. Not sure why I pick that age, but on the boat we see a lot of kids that age with such allergies and they are aware of what is going on.

By middle school or high school they are not as needed. Kids with allergies are well aware of their issue. Their friends are also aware as they, in most cases, have grown up with them having the allergy. It's 'normal' to everyone in their circle.

I think middle/high school is a good place for them to start learning that the world is not a peanut-free zone and they have to take responsibility for themselves. Schools are somewhat controlled situations. So god forbid something did happen they are more than likely to be able to get medical help quickly.

Meg1036 · May 2011

overloaded- thanks for the insight. It sort of jibes with my idea that by middle school, kids should know how to handle their allergy, but I honestly had no idea if that was a reasonable expectation or not.

Bethanne1202 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-obvi-lets-talk-kids-peanut-allergies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:7f76e1e5-ef12-402b-b68f-e351a0c4c0b1Post:38dd9226-e45a-4208-90f2-8ad8faf4f79c">Re: NWR, obvi. Let's talk kids & peanut allergies</a>:
[QUOTE]The peanut thing has gone to far. Only 150 people a YEAR in the US die of a food allergy. The amount that die of a peanut allergy specifically is less. I know kids need to be protected from allergies, but I really think the parents exaggerate. Yes, it's scary when a kid goes into anaphylactic shock, but he/she should be carrying an epi-pen which almost always works. Kids are way more likely to die in a gun accident (over 1,000 a year), or even playing sports (2,000+ a year - mostly due to brain injuries). I think the whole allergy-death risk has been blown out of proportion.
Posted by CeliaKH[/QUOTE]

ONLY 150 a year and ALMOST always works sounds great until you are talking about your kid dying..

Bethanne1202 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-obvi-lets-talk-kids-peanut-allergies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:7f76e1e5-ef12-402b-b68f-e351a0c4c0b1Post:ce39539f-1961-4b7c-bf1a-8839dbbce537">Re: NWR, obvi. Let's talk kids & peanut allergies</a>:
[QUOTE]I know it sucks for the kids, but if a child has a life-threatening airborne allergy, I think they should be sent to special schools, subsidized. Not socially ideal...of course. When it merely inconveniences faculty, students, and parents to accommodate, I say accommodate. But when you're drastically limiting the diets of hundreds of other children in the district, you could be setting up large groups of children for poorer health. Each individual life is important, of course. Especially a child's. Especially your child's. But nutrition is an important part of public health, and I think limiting other children's diets so drastically isn't right either. The horrible truth is, some children will die from freak accidents, allergies, etc. Precautions should be taken, but within understanding that we cannot protect them from everything.
Posted by wyney[/QUOTE]

I dont see how not eating a peanut butter sandwich during school hours is drastically limiting children's diets to the point that it is a public health concern more then a kid dying in the middle of lunch because the epi pen ALMOST worked

eviltwin13 · May 2011

Segregating students due to allergies, or any other health or physical condition, is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If they can be reasonably accommodated (i.e. don't need a hospital environment) by law, they must be. Just like we no longer put children in special ed classes just because they are in a wheelchair. Maybe it's inconvenient, but I don't subscribe to the argument that it will ruin anyone's life or health. I work with kids with very restricted diets, whether due to diabetes, seizures, autism, or any number of other issues, and I've never met a kid yet who was more than mildly inconvenienced by a peanut restriction.

SteveandKris · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-obvi-lets-talk-kids-peanut-allergies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:7f76e1e5-ef12-402b-b68f-e351a0c4c0b1Post:383d4562-90f5-4a8a-911d-494710e22be5">Re: NWR, obvi. Let's talk kids & peanut allergies</a>:
[QUOTE]It's a hard line to draw. What about gluten allergies, or milk allergies, etc? Most schools around here are saying no to homemade snacks of any kind.
Posted by andressfrank[/QUOTE]

Milk and Gluten allergies are not allergies in the same sense - people with these "allergies" lack an enzyme and while they will be uncomfortable if they eat them, it will not kill them. These products also can't be aerosolized to a degree that makes them dangerous as peanut products can...

allisong23 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-obvi-lets-talk-kids-peanut-allergies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:7f76e1e5-ef12-402b-b68f-e351a0c4c0b1Post:4037bb25-0e86-410b-b832-ac44c2360d69">Re: NWR, obvi. Let's talk kids & peanut allergies</a>:
[QUOTE]Some people say that the allergies are due to us avoiding things too much, particularly during pregnancy. It's hard to get your body used to something if you're never exposed to it. We're so germphobic these days- wipe down cart handles, use the paper liner on the toilet, antibacterial soap and Purell, etc- we don't expose ourselves or our kids to anything and they have ZERO immune system. <strong>I've been purposely eating peanuts in hope that it will prevent a peanut allergy.</strong> Worth trying at least!
Posted by RobotLegs[/QUOTE]

Me too! I am glad that research is showing that by completely avoiding peanuts for the first few years, it is actually raising the incidence of peanut allergies. Kids need to be exposed to stuff to build up a resistance. Same thing with Ricks post - all this antibacterial, Purell stuff is making kids MORE allergic, because they are never exposed to anything. When the baby comes, I will ask anyone that handles him to wash their hands with soap and water. We won't be using Purell, and I will be eating Reeses Peanut Butter Cups while breastfeeding. Well, not all the time, but in moderation. ;)

overloaded · May 2011

Bethann1202, you are right it is very scary seeing your child not breathing and hopeing the epi pen works and your wondering what if it doesnt work this time. Your wondering how long will it take the ambulance to get there and how long will it take you to get to the hospital. This is what I was thinking when it was my son going though this.

jdrose5 · May 2011

This topic has ALWAYS been so complex to me.   That was before my 13 year old developed a peanut allergy that cause her mouth to swell.   It is so frusterating as a mother to know what is best. I hate other kids to be punished because of one kids allergy. However my daughter's allergy was discovered because she at a candy that was processed in a plant that process peanuts. It didn't even have peanuts in it. (She never cared for peanut butter and I never questioend it... turns out it left her mouth feeling funny.)

I don't insist that peanuts not be around her at all, but sometimes I feel like I am too lax in that. But I have other kids that LOVE peanut butter.   We just eat it when she is at band practice or scouts or likewise.   And I clean up well. But what if her allergy was worse?   What if it gets worse???   At girls scouts they ban peanut products because of her and another girl who is not as severe as my daughter.   That seems like overkill but the parents don't mind.

I mean my daughter has a reaction to latex that is not as severe but we were told could get that severe and her class can't do experiments with balloons because the school nurse deemed it not worth the risk. Last year for field day they put my daughter in in school suspension (till I threw a fit) because they had latex water balloons for one game.

However her reaction to bee stings is MUCH worse and she has an epi pen for that reaction.   I can't ban bees from the school or keep her indoors.   Yet bees scare me much more then peanuts or latex.

I also agree what the heck is going on. Growing up I only knew a few people with sting allergies and NONE with peanut or latex allergies and now my daughter has all 3.

just1day · September 2013

My kids both have peanut allergies and I certainly love peanut butter--ate it my whole life and during my pregnancies...so it doesn't help prevent anything to indulge. The Hygiene Hypothesis is regarding our whole society and it's not based on an individual's habits.

GypsyWife_ · September 2013

A little girl died recently in my area because she accidently ate a rice krispies treat drizzled with pb. I'm OK with my daughter following school rules for the safety of others especially small children. She sits at a peanut table everyday for lunch because she eats pbnj .

Xstatic3333 · September 2013

I'm glad this is a zombie thread so I don't need to get all fired up about this issue again. It's been coming up all the time lately IRL for some reason, maybe because more of my friends have school age kids.

Simply Fated · September 2013

GypsyWife_ said:
A little girl died recently in my area because she accidently ate a rice krispies treat drizzled with pb. I'm OK with my daughter following school rules for the safety of others especially small children. She sits at a peanut table everyday for lunch because she eats pbnj .

So, instead of a safe table for the peanut allergy allergy kids to sit at, the entire cafeteria is peanut free except one table?

GypsyWife_ · September 2013

No its just the kindergarteners. They split up one table for peanuts and one peanut free table.

Simply Fated · September 2013

GypsyWife_ said:

No its just the kindergarteners. They split up one table for peanuts and one peanut free table.

That's kinda clever.

I feel so bad for these kids with such terrible allergies. Everytime I want to complain about my allergies, I remind myself how much worse it could be.

hacked · September 2013

This is a really interesting topic. I found this: http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/lesson/health/pdf/Binky_Peanut_Allergy_QA.pdf and it does say that children can outgrow peanut allergies. Other sources also say that many children will outgrow these allergies. I have known many that have. I have also seen kids who have allergies to strawberries and shellfish outgrow them. People mentioned peanut allergies, but also gluten and wheat problems. Usually, these are called "sensitivities" rather than allergies.

Foods like M & M's and Necco Wafers (they also make candy hearts) say they are prepared in factories that may or may not have peanuts present.

I have had a problem all my life with some of the chemicals used for preserving food. I have breathing problems when I eat at buffets, and also foods such as commercially prepared meringues or meringue on pies. Many people share this problem, and I learned as a child not to eat at buffets. Of course, this is not an airborne allergy. Those are a lot harder to control.

I think having a peanut free zone in schools is a good idea. Since I have a family member who has a gluten sensitivity, I have learned that the level of diligence and the amount of label reading that goes with this problem carries a huge level of responsibility. I had no idea that some caramel has gluten in the coloring. Gluten, it seems, has other names, and unless you know all the names of ingredients that actually mean "I am Gluten, Hear Me Roar" you might miss something. I am sure that many things used to process foods actually may have a peanut base, and unless you know the names of these things, you may be using a peanut based product without knowing it. If you select to have a school free of foods from factories or processors who may have peanuts in their facility, you are forcing people to go over every food they provide for their child with a fine toothed comb, and then they have to eliminate many foods that may (or may not) cause a problem in that one kid in one grade of a school. I think I draw the line at having to do that. It seems that a peanut-free zone is a great option. It solves the problem and does not put the responsibility on every parent in a school, but on the parent who has a child with the problem. As a parent, I expect that job to be mine, not that of every parent in my child's school. I had enough issues as a parent when my son was young- I did not want to have to play that role for other children.

I feel badly for children with allergies- any type of allergies- and their parents. I want to be supportive of them. I do not, however, want to become the Peanut Police.

Dreamergirl8812 · September 2013

Cool.

Xstatic3333 · September 2013

@hacked I appreciate your perspective! I would note, however, that it is easier to pick out peanut-free than gluten free foods. I am not sure the law that caused this change, but foods manufactured on shared equipment with peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and other common allergens (I didnt realize until your post that gluten is not included) are now labelled in bold at the bottom of the ingredients. Does it remove all risk? Absolutely not. Yes, there could be protein on another child's clothes or hands. But, when there is a child in a program who, according to their doctor, risks anaphylaxis from contact or inhalation, I think doing everything possible to remove the risk is worthwhile. I don't think this step is necessary for children whose allergy is ingestion-based only. That is much easier for teachers to control.

My issue with peanut-free zones only is that they make the child stick out, when they are not at fault for their allergy. Many common childhood snacks (ex. common graham cracker brands) are safe for nut allergic kids. When I took education classes, we learned about a great concept called "universal design," which means that spaces and curricula should be designed to accommodate as many students as possible without modification (practicing teachers, feel free to correct that definition). An example would be designing all new schools with ramps, instead of carrying a wheelchair-using child up the stairs daily. I think just making schools (or wings, in the case of larger programs) free of an allergen that could hospitalize a child from contact or inhalation for the year they are there is a similar concept. At school, risks and social barriers should both be minimized to maximize each child's learning.

Off soapbox. I don't mean to offend anybody, but I'm passionate about this one.

hacked · September 2013

Xstatic3333 said:

@hacked I appreciate your perspective! I would note, however, that it is easier to pick out peanut-free than gluten free foods. I am not sure the law that caused this change, but foods manufactured on shared equipment with peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and other common allergens (I didnt realize until your post that gluten is not included) are now labelled in bold at the bottom of the ingredients. Does it remove all risk? Absolutely not. Yes, there could be protein on another child's clothes or hands. But, when there is a child in a program who, according to their doctor, risks anaphylaxis from contact or inhalation, I think doing everything possible to remove the risk is worthwhile. I don't think this step is necessary for children whose allergy is ingestion-based only. That is much easier for teachers to control. My issue with peanut-free zones only is that they make the child stick out, when they are not at fault for their allergy. Many common childhood snacks (ex. common graham cracker brands) are safe for nut allergic kids. When I took education classes, we learned about a great concept called "universal design," which means that spaces and curricula should be designed to accommodate as many students as possible without modification (practicing teachers, feel free to correct that definition). An example would be designing all new schools with ramps, instead of carrying a wheelchair-using child up the stairs daily. I think just making schools (or wings, in the case of larger programs) free of an allergen that could hospitalize a child from contact or inhalation for the year they are there is a similar concept. At school, risks and social barriers should both be minimized to maximize each child's learning. Off soapbox. I don't mean to offend anybody, but I'm passionate about this one.

I do understand your passion. I am a diabetic, and have had issues when eating in public, and there was literally nothing there to eat that did not have sugar or carbs in it. I just had to dial up my insulin pump and make do. I also have a disabled husband, so I am very familiar with ramps and having to fight for ADA rights in public places, especially airports. So, how would I have felt if, as a kid, I was at the no-sugar-allowed table? Grateful, since it meant I would feel safe that no one had slipped the sugared maple syrup onto the table. The idea of peanut-free wings is the same as a peanut-free table or ramps. It should be a part of our daily lives where we recognize that each of us is different and may have different needs. We should be long past a place where we point the finger at the kid at the peanut-free table. He will be there with others with the same issues, and there is nothing wrong with that. When I push my husband up the wheelchair ramp, he is, in actuality, being singled out as a person who has to use it. There is nothing wrong with that. If we feel that we have to insulate people who have legitimate medical issues, and make them feel as though there is nothing wrong, we are not doing them any favors. The fact is that they do have something that sets them apart, and I am not sure denying them knowledge of that fact is altogether healthy. If all people feel they are entitled to a place free of what ever their issue is, you are raising a child who feels that society should have to change who they are and what they are in order to keep that person free or there problem. Another person commented about a 30-year old who thinks no one should be bringing doughnuts to the workplace. If you have a medical problem, especially one that does not go away, you need to learn, from a ypung age, that you have to find your place in the world, and that the world should not have to change in order for you to be in it. The best thing you can do for a child is to teach them how to avoid the foods they cannot eat, what to do in case of accidental exposure, etc. That is an easier fight then trying to force people to change in order for your kid not to feel funny about sitting at the peanut-free table with other children with the same issues. Concentrate on educating the other kids how each of us are different.

Xstatic3333 · September 2013

@hacked that's a really good point, and probably the best argument against nut free wings/schools I've heard so far. Something to ponder for sure! Thank you.

shark113 · September 2013

I've had a friend who would begin having an allergic reaction if she was even in the same room as peanut products. One time somebody forgot and she nearly went into anaphylactic shock while we were eating in a HUGE open-air auditorium and sitting 10-20 feet away from the person with peanut butter. I definitely say better safe than sorry.

shark113 · September 2013

In extreme cases, allergic reactions can happen when even in the same area as somebody else eating peanut products.

KSquared2013 · September 2013

The Peanut-Free Cafe is a great kids book about this issue. Especially for kids without allergies, it really helps teach tolerance and acceptance of those with allergies.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Peanut-Free-Cafe-Gloria-Koster/dp/0807563870/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378486256&sr=8-1&keywords=the+peanut-free+cafe

NWR, obvi. Let's talk kids & peanut allergies

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