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For kids' food allergies, mommas need help
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Reading the Times ' story about 9-year-old George Attia, who is allergic to just about everything, hit home today. Attia's mom thinks officials at Cypress Woods Elementary School in Palm Harbor aren't doing enough to protect her son, who's allergic to peanuts, milk, oats, wheat, eggs, potatoes, soy, maple syrup, honey, sesame seeds, barley, coconut, shellfish and tree nuts like almonds and cashews.
My 8-year-old daughter is allergic to all dairy products, so no milk, pizza or ice cream unless it's soy. She'll break out in hives and vomit if she injests a significant amount of dairy, which believe me we have not tested since our messy introduction to said allergy shortly after her first birthday.
Every medical form we fill out details her needs. We individually talk to any adult in charge of her care. Parents of friends know enough to make arrangements at parties and playdates. Waiters get questioned about the ingredients of dishes. Still, when you least expect it, she's at risk.
A teacher served her milk in preschool. Another in first grade gave her flak when she said she couldn't eat the party pizza, so could she go back to the room for her packed lunch. "You can eat the pizza, you're fine," the teacher told her.
Thankfully, more alert adults have cared for her since then. For her end-of-school year pizza party, the teacher e-mailed my husband and I in advance to ask that we arrange for a treat she could enjoy. Didn't want her to feel left out.
It also helps that my daughter is comfortable with her allergy, confident about what's good for her and what's not. Truth is, she doesn't have momma's sweet tooth, so she's just fine watching other kids eat things she can't. But we can't protect her on our own. So thanks to everyone who looks out for kids' allergies.
-- Amy Hollyfield
What I find odd is that a teacher would so easily disregard an allergy. I'm so happy my kids don't have any because I sense a real spot of resentment that people lob toward those who have them.
You don't say how old your child is but it sounds like she knows the importance of taking responsibility for her own well being when it comes to her allergies.
I would suggest this mother has her child carry around a card (or put it on a lanyard under his shirt) that he can whip out if ever questioned by an adult. The card should be official looking and explain his allergies and have a phone number (to mom or physician) for any questions. He should have strict instruction to only "hang" around other children who are aware of his situation.
The school is making reasonable accommodations and for mom to ask for more is too much. If she doesn't trust the school, or her son, then she needs to rearrange her life to put him somewhere that would make her more comfortable. That could mean a different (night) job so she can attend school part of the day or it could mean moving to an area that offers a school with more one on one attention.
Kay
I, too, disagree with the requests of the mother in this instance. I think it is unreasonable to ask for a one on one assistant for her child. There are many reasons that parents might think they are entitled to a request such as this; however, we are not so rich in funds that this is remotely possible. In some instances, it may not make sense for a child to be in a large population. This seems to be one of those cases.
My son also has life threatening food allergies and I disagree with the parents request. Having worked in both public schools and private schools, I would NEVER ask the county to provide a one-on-one aide for my child to prevent him from being exposed to the foods he's allergic to. That would be like me asking for a one-on-one aide for him because he's also allergic to bees and fire ants and might get bit while outside. Responsibility also falls on the parent and the child. I've lived and worked in two states school systems and NEVER seen an aide assigned for food allergies. Be reasonable and accept some responsibility for your child and keeping them safe.
Whoa, Momma! thinks there's no such thing as TMI when it comes to raising kids and dishing about life as a parent. Our blogging moms aren't shy about the hot topics and won't back away from a good debate on any parenting issue. Bottle or breastfeed? Public, private or homeschool? Stay at home or work outside the home? And sex -- it's all open for comment. Don't sit on the sidelines -- pull up a bouncy seat and join the chat.
Meet the authors Sharon Kennedy Wynne has sunscreen in her blood. She may have been born in Buffalo but she got here as fast as she could, in time for kindergarten. She grew up in St. Petersburg, graduated from the University of Florida journalism school, and even got married at Sunken Gardens. She's one of the few adults we know who actually loves taking her kids to the beach. She has two sons and with 10 years of parenting under her belt, she's starting to feel a little less out of her league. She comes from a large family and loves to debate, so brace yourself when the hot topics come up.
E-mail Sharon Kennedy Wynne:
wynne@sptimes.com Amy Hollyfield is a workaholic mother of two young daughters, blessed to have a work-at-home husband who makes their life possible. She was born in Detroit and moved around a lot as a kid (read: Air Force brat). She has lived in Florida since the month after she graduated from Northwestern University. She lives for the yelps, hugs and kisses that greet her on nights that she makes it home before bedtime.
E-mail Amy Hollyfield:
ahollyfield@sptimes.com Sherry Robinson was born in the Sunshine State but she feels more comfortable inside a mall than outside at the beach -- thank goodness her husband is the outdoorsy type. He takes their two sons on night hikes, beach runs and bug hunts while Sherry does her best to take care of the homestead -- and find out what is new on the store shelves. A graduate of the University of South Florida in 19noneofyourbusiness, Sherry has been at the Times for nearly 20 years. And with nearly 10 years of parenting experience, Sherry is eager to offer up some great dish on raising kids and keeping your sanity.
E-mail Sherry Robinson:
robinson@sptimes.com
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