Classroom parties and school celebrations can be incredibly fun for children, especially for the younger set. But for parents like us who have peanut-allergic children who are sensitive to other nut-related foods as well, it can be stressful. Here are some tips to help make Valentine’s Day special for your child and worry-free for you:
• Find out if food is included in the card exchange process. If so, ask your teacher if she can provide class parents with a list of approved foods. Encourage the use of non-candy gifts to accompany Valentine’s Day cards. Your local dollar store is a good source for inexpensive, quick ideas (think bubbles, crayons/little coloring books, puzzles, etc.).
• Remind your teacher what foods your child is allergic to. Also let your teacher know what Valentine’s Day treats might be included on the no-eat list. Big no-nos are chocolate candies, candy bars and baked treats. Take M&M’s for example, nearly every flavor has almonds or peanuts included, making the plain package dangerous for people with allergies because it’s all manufactured in the same area.
• Communicate with other Parents. Offer to correspond with parents in your class. This gives you the opportunity to communicate how important a nut-free event is and answer any questions parents might have.
I think peanut-allergy families take for granted sometimes how scary this can be for people who don’t have to live with this (I admit, I do). What is obvious to us is overwhelming to them. Remember: no one wants your child to suffer and/or die – other parents want to be as successful and diligent as you want them to be. So help them!
I know Matthew’s first-grade teacher embraces this (as a classroom coordinator, I actually started out as the “peanut” mom). Your teacher would likely welcome the contribution you can give to this area because it takes the burden off of them and frees them up to do what they specialize in: teaching!
• Save the treats for after-school. For added security, ask your teacher to request that all candy remain packaged for after-school consumption. Your teacher should favor this too – managing two dozen children on a sugar high is no walk in the park!
• Double-check all goodie bags after a celebratory event. In our house, we treat Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day and Christmas the same and there is no democracy here: all foods are presumed guilty until proven otherwise. The Peanut Allergy Mom’s rigorous check could put Homeland Security to shame. Okay, not really – but close.
• Have fun and relax. It’s an hour-long event that with the right preparation and supplies, will be tons of fun for everyone involved.
