Ho ho hold the food
In theory, our daycare centre is nut free and is aware of other food allergies. But, parents are free to bring in treats for their children for birthdays with only a reminder that it be “nut free”. Essentially, to an allergy parent, this means that there is no guarantee that these treats are truly nut free. (Not to mention our other food allergies.) Parents are not restricted to buying items from nut free bakeries. And at our daycare, the goodies brought in are normally from higher end bake shops where the treats carry no ingredient list. I have come to hate the birthday celebrations. I hate them. I carry my cell phone close all day.
So, when the note was sent around for the centre’s holiday party – I scanned it and saw “food”, “party”, “parents” and instantly jumbled up the facts that it was an open invitation for parents to bring in treats. (Actually, the centre was going to provide the snacks… oops.) The husband and I drafted a very direct email listing why store bought and homemade treats were risky, that we would keep our boy home and wanted to be compensated for that time because of the unacceptable dangers of having a crowded classroom of parents and children, crumbs, travelling food and sticky fingers.
It was pretty direct.
The director responded and came up with a solution to have only fruits and veggies. To us, it was a great compromise. Although, I wish we didn’t have to write a ranty email to find a solution that makes for an inclusive party. At any rate, problem solved. And hey, could parents really complain about the availability of healthy snacks?
So, when the party reminder email was sent around today – it included a message that “unfortunately” due to so many allergies, there would be no food at the party. Great! But the word “unfortunately” made me frown. Sure, it is unfortunate to have food allergies, but it’s not fair to place blame on preschool children for their illnesses. Because, I think that having every allergy kid feel included and go home at the end of the party instead of CHEO is fortunate.
Fortunately, the party will be food free so that no children will be excluded and there will not be any allergic reactions. It’s a good thing. For everyone.
7 comments
the best birthday treat in the grade 1 last year turned out to be my strawberries on a stick. Egg and gluten free – of course even though the teacher made a point of telling them all how much the kids loved it, the rest of the birthdays ended up being the same old same old – and I made birthday cupcakes 10 times. boo.
That\’s so great that you did strawberries on a stick! When it came around to Alden\’s birthday this year, I made cupcakes for his class. Mostly out of spite since every birthday seems to be celebrated with cupcakes. I should probably try to set an example for next year. It\’s hard.
Just so you know, I was *ecstatic* today when I saw the daycare announcement of no food at the party. "Unfortunately" nothing, I am ridiculously, over-the-top pleased that all the children will be included – and boo to those who think that sugar is more important than including every kid.
It's true. I shouldn't get too hung up on the choice of words… I have to think that we weren't the only ones to have said something.
I remember being on a flight in the States a few years ago and an annoucement over the PA system said : Unfortunately, due to an allergic child there would be no peanut snack served on the plane today.I could not beleive it when people booed!!! I felt so bad for the poor parents of that child to hear that! Our grand daughter is allergic to milk so I know it's a constant battle.
You did the right thing….even though it is so very difficult and frustrating. As the parent of a child(10years old) with peanut,tree nut,sesame seed and egg allergies
I have had this type of thing happen more than once as you can imagine. I try to remember that every new group of people that I have to educate is a group that will be kinder and more understanding to the next allergic child that comes along.Its my" pay it forward"…….grey hairs and all!!
Thanks! Some days it feels like you just finish winning one battle and then another one pops up.
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