Ban,h.school,accomodate?

Jean wrote:
>I spoke to a school yesterday who wouldn't serve lunch and wouldn't serve a snack w/peanuts, but may serve one that has been mechanically run on the same equipment to other kids.

I think this is the best you can hope for from a school, Jean. Even I -- with all my interest and research -- do not know all the manufacturers who run peanut products and non-peanut products on the same lines. The school is willing to read the list of ingredients and avoid peanut products. Tell them they also need to avoid products which say "May contain traces of peanuts" or "May contrain traces of nuts" (for those manufactures who think peanuts and tree nuts are the same thing -- and there are lots of them out there).

If they show any interest in reducing the risk of cross contamination, tell them to stick with the big names, avoid chocolate products in general, and don't buy products which also have a peanut butter twin next to it on the same shelf.

Noreen

Jean,
You are facing a very difficult decision here! First off, let me state that I really don't care for the idea of homeschooling. I think in the most severe cases (really BAD schools) it is necessary; however, I think you should try to work with the system and when all else fails, go to that. I don't want to start any arguments about home schooling--obviously some people love it. But, if the academics in your area are good, then you need to find a way to have your child assimilate into the school culture. The social aspect of school can be good and rewarding. In my situation, I have had my son in daycare since he was about 10 weeks old. At 8 months, we discovered the multiple food allergies. That was a tough time for me as I just couldn't trust anyone or feel secure. When my son was about 3, I decided for no particular reason that he would be "safer" in a home daycare situation. Well, it was a nightmare. First off, the daycare provider went on a lot of outings and had a twice a week playgroup with other providers. He was exposed to far more pre-packaged snacks and suspect food than at the center. The other problem was that my son had been in a group care setting for so long that he could not adjust to the much more laid back atmosphere of the home care. Now, of course, my son is used to being in a home--he lives in one!! But the level of activities/projects that were being done in the home were far below what he had been exposed to in his day care/preschool. I'm not trying to discredit home daycare either. The other parents were very happy with the provider and she was part of a "co-op" where there were many planned activities and a curriculum. But, my son was so used to a school atmosphere that he was bored. So, your child may run into this with homeschooling. I have recently begun to contemplate quitting my job (for other reasons). If I did so, my son could not attend preschool. I think he would go crazy. He loves his friends and his teachers. What I would suggest for you is to investigate all the preschools in your area and evaluate the food preparation. My son is in a daycare/preschool that is privately owned. It is not a chain like Kindercare or La Petite etc. They prepare just about all of their own food and it is very simple food. The director chooses NOT to serve any snacks that are pre-packaged (i.e., cereal bars, donuts, baked goods). They have very simple things like saltines and cheese slices, veggies and dip. Of course, they do serve peanut butter but not in my son's classroom. Do you think you could find a school like this? This might really help. I do agree that it is impossible to expect a school to be able to handle products that may be run on peanut lines. But, if you can find a school that avoids convenience food, this should eliminate most of that.
Christine

Thanks for the advice. I'm afraid too, that my so would 'clam up' if I take him out of the preschool environment. He loves playing with other kids and I think he likes the break of getting away from me and his 2 1/2 yr old brother. Regarding homeschool, I know he'd be completely safe with me, but I don't know if mentally I can handle not getting a break. I'd also feel like a huge responsibility would be on my shoulders regarding his education, yes more stress!

I think for now the preschool I talked about before will be the one I'll go with. It's a short day only MWF 9-12 and no lunch. Since the school will always post the snack and I'll know the craft they'll be doing, he should be safe. And with a good plan I'll come up with I pray we'll have better luck
here.
Jean

Hi JCall,
What did you ever decide to do? I read your old post and I wanted to see how you have gone forward. We sound like we are in similar situations--I have a 4 year old, also. Let me know-I hope all is well.
Carrie