Food Allergies - Conroe, TX

I am a grandma and a teacher so I can empathize with both you and the school. Here's an idea that might help. Perhaps the teacher might let your son "invite" one or two friends to lunch with him at the end of the table, rotating each child in the class so no child is left out. The children will receive their invitation (along with a list of specific foods that cannot be included in the lunch box) the day before. If it is presented as something special for the children to do, it will be like a privelege and evoke excitement in the class.

If bringing a lunch from home is a problem for the invited child, perhaps you could send a second lunch for the invitee. (I assume you send lunch from home for your child) This would prevent the isolation of your child at lunch time. It might also give your son an opportunity to cultivate friends he might not ordinarily have.

S. S.

I know how he feels, as I was allergic to most foods served in public places. Milk, green veggies except for lettuce, most fruit, as well as several environmental allergies. I still am allergic to a good majority of it (making it very difficult to diet..LOL). Make sure your son is aware and remembers every thing he is allergic to, and that he understands what can happen if he eats these things. I noticed you didn't mention him taking lunch, so I assume he eats from the cafeteria. If that's true, it's good for him to learn how to make the right choices from the school menu. Schools give the children the option of certain foods, and they can pick and choose what they want in most cases. They can usually choose water or juice for drinks, too. You just make sure that the lunchladies know who you and your son are and what his needs are. Most will be accomodating as much as they can be. My mom actually sent me to school once a week with the soy milk I had to drink, and they would refrigerate it in the kitchen. It's always the same ladies in most cafeterias, so they will remember him, especially if he befriends them as most sweet children will do. I think if you just sat down with the teacher, cafeteria staff, principal and which ever teacher is in charge of the his lunch shift and get every one on the same page, it would be much easier and less anti-social than it seems to be now. I hope it goes well.

Hi S.,

I know how you feel. My son is allergic to peanuts, all fruits except grapes, oranges and grapefruit, and many veggies too. He is lactose intolerant. He also doesn't eat sandwiches by his own choosing. So, what is a mother to do?
We went through the same panic as you and it is difficult. There is no easy answer. Maybe for now, the teacher or parent at lunch could sit several children around him that do no have peanut products in their lunch. Plead with them to help you out with this. Maybe you could contact a few of his friend's parents to partner with you not to send peanut products in thier lunches and to save those foods for after school snacks. I know that I would try to help you out if my son were in his class. Good Luck. You will find that this will not last forever. I don't understand God's purpose in all of these food allergies, however, I know he has a plan for our children, that only they can carry out,and this little frustration is character building and all part of his plan for your child. Give it over to God and ask him to take care of your boy. Good Luck and God Bless you as you go through this!
S. Hudson

Hi S....my son has food allergies also, AND he is a picky eater on top of that! So, I feel your pain for sure!! Anyway, what I have to do with my son is pack his snack and lunch according to what he will eat(and CAN eat), and then after school, I feed him his protein that his body needs, and any fruit, etc,. that he didn't get during the day.I don't like doing it that way... because I feel like he needs more energy from his food throughout the day, but that's how we get by! Also-make sure that the teacher doesn't call attention to his allergies in front of the other kids so he doesn't feel excluded. Hope my advice helps..feel free to write me anytime! C. A.

You are not alone. My daughter is 5yr and is in Kindergarten too. I was worried when she was in preschool but I am not as worried now. Do you pack him his own lunch? I pack my daughter her lunch and snacks every day. I work very close with my daughters teacher on those "special" days like parties etc... For holidays and class parties, I have provided the teacher with an egg free, dairy free cupcake receipe that they have used. This way, my daughter is still part of the class and not the only one without a cupcake. My daughter is very aware of what she can and cannot have and we have to tell her constantly "no sharing lunch or snacks with anyone". Anyway, if you need more advice or info for food ideas, please PM me, I would be more than happy to help. Even if it is to get my cupcake recipe (which is delicious-I use it for bday parties here too). We also use SunButter (get it at Kroger or sunbutter.com) it tastes, looks, smells like peanut butter but is peanut free. It is made from sunflower seed oils. Good luck, know that you are not at all alone though okay? It is hard, stressful, sad but you can do this together with your son and your teacher.

I am so sorry.
I thought pretty much schools were nut free... lots of private schools are. They don't allow you to bring in food especially if a child in your child's class has allergies.
UGH... I'm so sorry

I have a daughter who has severe allergies to soy products and peanuts, however I do not understand why they are sitting him alone for lunch time? He should be allowed to sit with the other kids just not eat what they eat. Ask the teacher why he is being put alone to eat? And explain to her that you would like him to be able to interact with other kids at lunch time just to make sure he does not eat their food. This way he will learn that he can not eat what everyone else eats and why. But to put him alone to eat probably makes him feel as if he has done something wrong.

Hope this helps.

My daughter was taught about her allergy at an early age and knows she can not eat anything with soy like granola bars are out of the question and nothing with peanut products. We have had a couple of accidents where she bit into something not asking what it was first but we have an epipen at school and home for just in case.

Thanks,

T.

Hi, S.
I have a 3 1/2 yr old little boy that is allergic to dairy also. He goes to day care which makes me nervous on somedays. Guess it just depends on what is going on that day. For sure on party days. Which I take food for him. I really don't know what you can do with your son at the lunch table, but to tell him NOT to eat the things that make him sick. My family goes over with our son what he can and can't have all the time. And now if someone tries to give him a dairy product he tells them "no I can't have dairy". Which really make me proud of him. He knows it will make him throw up, get hives, and maybe even an Epi shot. Sorry your son has these allergies and wish I had a good answer.

we have food allergies- my oldest (7) is allergic to peanuts, as well as all other nuts and seeds. thank god, his allergy is not so severe that he has to be separated- he just barfs if he ingests the allergen. but- we have moved a lot, all over the country, and every mother's day out program, preschool, public, and private school we have ever been a part of are "peanut-free zones". these places of learning seem to be very sensitive to the allergy conditions that so many children have. he has two epi-pens at school now, one in the classroom and one with the school nurse. i am not sure why your son's teacher is separating him like that. on the other hand, i have always been very open and frank with my son about his allergies, and that has taught him to be open and frank about them with other kids and adults. he doesn't feel left out, it is just something he knows- i am allergic to nuts. he is a very good reader, an even if your son is still learning to read, make sure he can at least recognize the words "peanuts", "milk", whatever else he is allergic to, so he can read labels. i think that is important.
hang in there!

Hi- I have a 7 yr old 2nd grader who has a nut allergy and has ahd a n anaphalatic reaction to a bit of a cookie with a nut so he can not have food made on a machine that processes nuts either. In his school, I made a big fuss about the him seperated even said that the IDEA ( Individuals with Dissabiltiies act) Forbids them from singiling him out for this. I bring a snack for him to keep with his teacher. I bring Cupcakes and have them frozen in the nurses office for Bday parties. And they have a no trading policy at school so he can sit wiht his friends. We have also talked to him and he knows he could die if he gets a nut, soo that helps. We started talking to him about it when he 4 almost 5 . hope that helps

Hi
I'm sorry your little fella has to deal with allergies, one of mine is allergic to laytex which is no fun at parties. He's also sensitive to many cleaning products and scents so I tell everyone who interacts with him not to wear perfumes or use cleaning products around him.

I was a teacher prior to having my sons and to be honest we did have a separate table for children with allergies. It was the best scenario for all involved. The other children can't help that your child is allergic to foods that they might be eating and it would be awful if one of them contaminated your sons eating area with the offending food.

As a teacher I would suggest to the class that they bring foods that are safe for their classmate and maybe having a drawing every week to see who will be allowed to sit with your son. Just an idea and just something I might do if your son was always sitting alone during lunch.

Hope something good happens soon.

From the school's perspective - I remember where I used to teach 'outlawing' everything from peanut butter jelly sandwiches to Peanut butter cookies to Reeses peanut butter cups and Snickers in the vending machines because a parent threatened a lawsuit because it was unfair that her severely allergic daughter had to eat in a teacher's room at the other end of the school.

She could have up to four friends who agreed to not bring any peanut products eat in there with her, and I was the teacher whose room it was in - I checked their lunch, and never ate any peanut products in my room.

Needless to say, that poor child was never comfortable eating in the cafeteria because all of the kids (this was high school) and many of the teachers blamed her (and her parents) for the loss of gastronomic enjoyment. She ended up coming back to my room for lunch.

The only thing I can think of, though - is that if a kid or two brings their lunch from school, and it is milk, egg, and peanut free - that you ask that they be allowed to sit with your son? Otherwise, remember - the actual eating of lunch is 20 minutes out of a 7 hour day.

Well, I don't think it's ok for them to sit your son all alone, that doesn't help the problem, only creates others. He's old enough now that you may be able to help him choose the right foods himself. If they still put out school menus try going over it with him each morning before school. Show him the foods he can eat and the ones he can't. Have a very serious talk with him about not sharing food with his friends. Give him some independence and decision making and you will be surprised at how well he can do for himself.

My oldest also has food allergies to milk and eggs and although his reactions are nasty they are not life-threatening like a peanut allergy. The one thing that I can tell you is that you REALLY have to be the advocate for change for your son. You need to get involved at the school and most importantly...YOU will have to educate the teachers and administrators on what is the best way to deal with it. If you find people are not being cooperative, then in public schools (and I think in private) if they’re not being cooperative, you can get a 504 plan. It’s a detailed document that details exactly how your child and his condition should be handled. The 504 refers to the section of the American Disabilities Act that governs how schools must accommodate children with life-threatening food allergies. Yes, severe food allergies are covered under the ADA. Seems to me it should be a last resort, but it’s another way to go if you can’t find a cooperative school staff. I feel for you and I know how difficult it can be everyday trying to manage it all, but it's your child's LIFE at risk. Good luck!

I also have a boy in Kinder with Food allergies. Before school even started I met with the teacher, school nurse and principal. We went over an emergency action plan and I told them I did not want my son ostracized at lunch. What they do at lunch is have a peanut free table - they check all the kids lunches who are sitting at my sons table if any of them have peanuts or nuts those children have to sit somewhere else. With the help of the school nurse I went over the cafeteria menu and selected the items my son would want to eat if he bought his lunch. We then had the cafeteria staff review all of the ingredients to make sure the selected items were safe. All this was time consuming but worth it. The entire school is now much more aware of the severity of food allergies and I feel confident that my son is safe. If you haven't already checked out the FAAN website I highly recommend it. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me.

S.:

I think it is wrong of the school to single your son out by making him sit alone. Not to mention that lunch time is one of the few times in the day at school that kids have to interact and enjoy each other's company. My son (2nd grade) has had two children in his classroom since kindergarten that have been allergic to peanuts. The school is a nut free campus because of these children and their severe allergies. A note goes home to ALL grades requesting that parents do not send PBJ sandwiches or any other peanut products in lunch boxes. However there are parents who break these rules (which I just don't understand -- if it was your kid you'd want the rules followed). When this happens -- the child who has brought PBJ will be moved to a table across the cafeteria. Because of this policy -- many children have learned that they'd rather sit with their friends than eat a PBJ and have asked their parents to no longer pack peanut stuff in their lunch boxes. I know my son has reminded me a time or two when I was going to put a Peanut Butter cookie in his lunch box (just not thinking -- early morning brain). He's said, "Mom remember -- No Peanuts!"

I'm with the other mothers in thinking as long as your son is educated on what makes him sick and how important it is to avoid these things then he shouldn't be separated. If it was my child, I'd be at the school complaining until the problem was resolved and my child was allowed to sit with his friends during lunch time. You have to be your childs advocate. The school is not always right in their policies! Just my opinion... it's free!

D.

My daughter, who is in first grade, has a severe peanut allergy. Although your son's teacher has requested that the in class snack be things that are safe for your son, I wouldn't trust other parents or even the school to know what to look for in the ingredients-- just because they aren't trained. For example, "processed in the same plant as other products that contain peanuts" can translate to: the company uses the same equipment as other products that contain peanuts and that particular food item basically contains peanut residue. Although the FDA requires all companies to list allergy info under the ingredients list, not all companies do. Does your son need to sit by himself? If his allergy is not airborne, and he is old enough to know not to share food, it may not be necessary to have him sit at the end of the table. Ask your pediatrician if he needs to be seperated from other children at lunch? It is important that your son not be ostracized (sp?). We actually switched churches because they kept having cooking centers on Sunday morning and were clueless on dealing with children that have food allergies. My daughter would sit and cry at Sunday School while the other children ate. If your son's allergy is that severe, I recommend providing his own snack. I did for my daughter and she felt much more comfortable. Also, ask the teacher when there is a Birthday or special day, where you will need to provide your son's special treat (very important). Have you contacted FAAN Network (Food Allergy and Alphlatic Network (sp?). They are very informative and provided information that even my pediatrician wasn't aware of. Hope this helps...

Cows milk is for calves, not humans. Peanuts are full of mold and should not be eaten by humans. Eggs? Suggest you eliminate all dairy products and eggs.

Go on the web and start paying attention to Dr. Joseph Mercola. He is proabably the most honest and best informed Alternative Medicine Doctor in the country.

God Bless,
J. ____@____.com

My son also has/had food allergies and we have dealt with school issues. I just accepted the fact that accidents will happen when he sits next to others kids and we'd have to go with the flow. I felt it was better that he was not isolated, but on the other hand he given more opp. to cheat. In the end it will be your child who will have to choose to aviod the foods he is allergic to especially as he gets older (though, my child did not have reactions that threatened his life). Eventually we were able to reintroduce some of the foods he was allergic to, but I still try to keep them at a minimum by packing his lunch. He also learned that there was a price to pay for eating the foods that made him sick. Good luck!

Hi S.,

I know all too well how you are feeling. My 11 year old daughter is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. We pack lunch everyday, pack our own snacks, and up until this year I have always brought a box of safe treats in a sealed box and leave it in her classroom so that when someone has a birthday and brings cupcakes etc. she can go to her box and pick her snack. She does sit by her friends at lunch, and we have been fortunate that her friends are very sensitive to her allergy and will not bring PB or nuts in their lunch. If they forget, they just tell her they're sorry and move down. Like one of the other posters said, I am very involved in class parties and will usually offer to bring the cookies, etc. so that she doesn't feel lef out All the time. It is a really tough thing to deal with...I have had some anxiety issues because of it, but it does get a little easier as they get older and can take more of the responsibility on themselves. What if you ask the teacher to pick 2 students everyday that have allergy free foods in their lunches to sit by him, or find other kids with the same thing and let them sit together. I know it's hard, just stay positive around your son and tell him God gives every person a special challenge in their life, and this just happens to be his. Then tell him all the positive things about him that make him special :) Hang in there!

My little active one was 3 when his sister stared school. I don't have allergie advice but when I would call school ahead of time and take my 3 year old and eat lunch with her not only did she love it but my 3 year old loved being with his sister and experiencing school and was surprisingly very well behaved. You might give it a try?

I think that the school should respect your son and not allow the milk, eggs and peanuts be served at all. You can call the health department and report them as this is a serious health issue for your son. The other children can survive without eggs, milk, and peanuts until they get home.

Oh, I'm sorry for him. That is hard for him.
My DD (1st grade) has food allergies as well. I worked with her to teach her to ask about questions (are there nuts in this?) about foods that I did not pack for her before she eats it. My school does not sit her off to the side nor is it nut free so there is a risk to that. But communication with your child and school is the key.

Have you talked to the school to see what can be done? Either way, make sure the school has an epi-pen for your child.

Good luck.

S., does your son understand anything about his food allergy??? It is up to you to really teach and explain to your kid that somethings they cannot eat.. They have books that you and your son can read together about different allergies and why they can't eat certain foods and the effect that it has or will have on him if he does eat that food.. I met this little boy he was about 3 and he understood he couldn't eat certain things b/c off his book.. so please if you haven't searched out books that you guys can read together, they are books for kids... Oh I really hate that they sit him alone, hes being treated like something is wrong with him and having a food allergy is a punishment...

My youngest son is going to be 16 and has had to deal with numerous food, environmental allergies as well as Asthma. School and Boyscouts were really challenging. If nothing else through the years I learned; I can not totally control and protect every situation and environment around him. It wore me out trying! My son is allergic to wheat, corn, eggs, milk, chocolate, dust mites, grass and numerous other things. Most of those items are in all foods! We seldom eat out; I cook most meals. But, I think it is so important to train the child; so when mom isn't around he knows what he can not eat or touch. In boyscouts one of the other moms made a presentation to the boys about not sharing foods and how a severe peanut allergy can be fatal. It's amazing how the other children responded - . I used to pack crackers and snacks that he could eat for campouts. I don't feel the whole troop needs to suffer because of my son's allergies. They do add items to their campout menu's that he can eat. At school I always packed a lunch for him; occasionally the menu would have something he could eat. He always has benedryl; and takes an epi-pen to campouts, along with inhalers and his meds. Let adults around him; including the school nurse of his allergies so if he does get exposed to something they'll know what is going on. Most of all, teach the child of what he can and cannot eat and how to read the labels; and not to share foods with friends. My son eventually outgrew the milk allergy; but, the other's still remain .....Along the way he has met many other children that are like him. You would be surprised to discover how many children have allergies these days... he won't be the only one in his class.....I am also sure you will receive lots of feedback and support on this issue through Mamsource......

Sounds like they are sitting him alone because that is the safest place to ensure he doesn't have a reaction while at school--which (socializing aside) keeping him safe is the prime directive.

Your email didn't really elaborate on this... Does the school provide lunch or does each child bring their own? If it is the second scenario, where each child is bringing their own lunch, then I would suggest you change schools. Find one that provides lunch, where all the kids eat the same thing. Honestly, it is unrealistic to think that a young child will have the will power not to grab his friend's cookie (made with butter and milk), string cheese or granola bar. And unfortunately, the room teachers have to divide their attention among all the children instead of being able to make sure your son's diet is maintained.

I hope I don't sound harsh. My 2 yr old is allergic to cows milk. It is constant battle. And even though her daycare does the best they can, she is one of 13 other toddlers. I know her teachers can't watch her exclusively. I make her goat milk bread; I constantly bring goat milk yogurt, alternative snacks/lunch items for her-I'm doing everything I can. But ultimately, it wouldn't surprise me if 4 out of 5 days she is dairy free and on the 5th day, she manages to sneak/grab something she shouldn't or perhaps a alternate teacher might accidentally give her cheese goldfish...

Good luck!

That is terrible that they sit him away from everyone! Teachers/school need to do their job and supervise him during this time. Sounds like the school needs some education! What are the adults doing during this time---all they may need to do is take a quick peak at other kids' lunches to see if their is anything your son may get a hold of and then supervise closely. If you worried he may drink milk by accident, maybe give him a super cool cup to bring with his own drink. hope that helps----no way should the school be exiling him at all--that is inappropriate and not meeting his educational needs (socialization) good luck

You could try substituting Goats milk for cow milk which is high in digestive enzymes. Almond butter for peanut butter. Also one natural way to begin building immunity to allergies is introducing Bee Pollen. You would need to find out first if he is allergic to honey or pollen. Another way to try and cure the food allergies would be to introduce some good live enzymes from fruit and vegetables in capsule or powder form. These are simply raw fruit and vegetable enzymes which help the body to process food. Some people are deficient in the proper enzymes to process food and it's hard to eat enough fresh produce to compensate. You can get them at VitaminsPlus inside Drug emporium. Hope this helps. You might try also looking up Dr. Joseph Mercola who is the worlds leading diet and natural cures for disease researcher.