Peanut Allergy Article

Hi Mary ~

What an excellent sample of how much work we have ahead of us! I am angry that at this point; we are still having to defend our children's safety. I am just waiting for someone to suggest that we keep our children home and homeschool. I hope the issues become a matter of 'how' we can protect our children and NOT how to win our battles. I do not wish to battle with anyone. As far as I can see, there really is no controversy and matter of equal right; only an inability of some parents to stop and listen to reason and to act responsibly.

God help us who have small children and who depend on the generosity of others compassion.

Thank you for your post Mary.

Nicole

[This message has been edited by Nicole (edited February 15, 1999).]

Hi Mary,

Thanks for sharing the article. I guess we are fortunate to have an understanding staff and parents where my son goes to school. We also have a no peanut snack rule in the classroom and a peanut free table in the lunchroom. Also my son's class has to wash their hands a lot more than the other classes, but isn't this a good thing? It can't hurt especially during cold season. I have even had parents call me at home to ask about a questionable snack that they were thinking about sending with their children. I think the situation is taken better by other parents if it is presented in a non-fanatical way and the allergic child's parents are willing to work with the school and other parents.

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Mary Kay

Hi everyone! If these parents of non-allergic children HAD to do what WE HAVE TO DO on a DAILY BASIS there would be absolutely no controversy. We eat (pardon the pun), drink and sleep peanut butter on a daily basis in order to keep our children safe! No if, and or but about it. These parents have no idea what we all go through, nor do they care! To me, that is the tragedy in all of this. Yes, there are some people who might care BUT the minute someone tells them they have to do something, or can't do something, the defenses come to center stage and by God, Little whoever will have his PB&J sandwich come hell or high water, as they watch our children being hauled off in the Ambulance. (I really am a calm person but boy oh boy my mind and heart are racing a mile a minute when it comes to this subject).

Thanks for sharing the article! You all are my sanity savers!

Hi Connie,
I actually have time to read more topics tonight and this one got me upset too. Mainly because the city I live in just went through a terrible battle in the media with parents against parents on the this subject of peanut-free schools. I literally stopped reading the newspaper because it got that ugly - the woman who really stood up for her rights paid for it dearly. Her allergic daughter had a PB & J waved in her face in the cafeteria, there were peanuts thrown in the bed of her truck, mailbox. All because this woman is advocating the ban of peanuts in schools. You see, even when we try to make a difference, the world can be so cruel in response. I see allowing peanuts in schools the same as allowing a loaded gun in the lunchroom - sounds severe to others but not to those reading this, I am sure.

Hi Kelly,

How right you are! What amazed me and made me angry was when I read the article and it said "parents were afraid of being labeled insensitive so they were willing to speak only on the condition of anonymity." I'm sorry, but by God, if they have something to say and they feel so strongly about it, put a name with it. If these parents are so outraged that their child can't have their PB&J sandwich in school, print your name. Put a name behind the face! And the matter on lawsuits. LAWSUITS?! Some of these parents are clueless...it's a matter of attending a school play or attending the local ER Room or worse, God forbid. We cannot keep our children locked in the house for the rest of their lives. They have to learn how to function in the "real" world and the thought of my child, or anyone elses for that matter, having a peanut butter product thrown at them sends me into orbit. Where is this behavior learned? Peanut butter, like you said, is a lethal weapon to people who are allergic to it.

I am climbing off of my soap box now. (Too bad it's 11:30 at night, now I feel like I need to go run a few more miles)!

[This message has been edited by Connie (edited February 17, 1999).]

Hi everyone
It is so unfortunate that there are people who find that it is more important to teach their children that it is more important to eat what you want when you want, then to ensure, or aid in the safety of another.
There is still a great deal of ignorance out there. Remember the three A's. Awareness, Avoidance and Action.
Take care and stay safe

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Hi again,

Yes, ignorance it is! Thanks for the replys. I am reminded when I hear and read such episodes that there are people who just plain don't get it - they do not have the common sense to see that their nonallergic child has so many items to eat other than peanut products! All they hear is someone trying to tell them what they have to do, and they rebel regardless of what the real issue is - peanuts can cause death.