School Parents Want 1st Grader W/ Peanut Allergy Sent Home/Home-Schooled

[Melanie]

Hi MGardner

I totally agree with what your saying. I understand you cant ask your child to stop eating peanuts or if theyre at a shop in middleschool and have say a PJ sandwich for their lunch. Thats his choice, he can have what he likes but, i just wouldnt want him kissing my daughter after lol. (i dont know what age your meant to be in middle school)

I think its great our schools have adopted the no nut policy but I also understand that other kids love nuts and have them at lunch. If they are not taking them back into school with them then thats great works for me. Thats the best they can do and I would personally appreciate that they even make that effort.

I think that sometimes things are taken to the extreme. Im certainly not saying thats what I would expect I think there has to be a little compromise thats all.

I agree if the allergy was so bad that even inhaling of a nut product could cause some people to go into shock you would have to think of alternatives the problem is for allergies that servere there are no alternatives ie special schooling, apart from that imagine having a child that allergic.......it doesnt bear thinking about.


I know where your coming from with the" forgets" my daughter is the same lol when were trying to explain about what changes she has to make to accomodate this nightmare allergy its not good.

Your son would not be to blame its the allergy.


Can you imangine the worry we re going through just now trying to second guess everything its a nightmare for us but we'll get there we dont only have to worry about our children we also have to worry about yours. ie every child around my child i have to worry about ,even though some people have stated why should they have to worry about say" my child" thats my responsibility, I think people like myself are only asking for consideration not total life change.

Not trying to make any enemies here x angela

Hi Angela,

I hear ya - it's a very difficult situation. I didn't even think about kissing - egads! My son is 13 and is coming upon those romantic years! There's no doubt that parents can somewhat control what their children eat in the early years, with no worries of children stuffing their pockets, or stopping at a shop. Once they get a bit older (teen years) is when I would start to worry more for the allergic child. So many unknows that adults will find difficult to control.

I absolutely understand the consideration for any allergy. It scares me, however, when the allergy is so deadly. I need to educate myself more on this, as I thought it was similar to a bee sting, and if you had an epi-pen you might be okay. That doesn't seem to be the case. Is there anything out there medical wise that can treat this allergy in case of an emergency?

Thanks for your POV - it's much appreciated (for a naive person like me).

Hugs,

Mel

 

[katydid23]

I think the key is moderation on both sides. As I said previously. I had NO PROBLEM following the rules for a 'nut-free zone' school, or with the hand washing 3 x a day. It was not a big thing and had some good side benefits.

And if a child has a bad allergy that requires that ALL of the students refrain from eating the nutty substances then I think it is fine to ask them not to.

HOWEVER, if that child's allergy is so severe that they literally go into shock instantly and their throats begin closing in mere minutes, and they could die within those few moments then I think they should NOT go to a large public school.

I believe they could find a smaller more private school which would be safer for them in the long run. Our school was large and was alongside the middle school so it affected 1500 students all together. It was really hard and stressful to monitor so many students and staff members. Again, if the allergic child had a moderate allergy, or even a serious one, which did not require immediate response to prevent death, then I am all for the child attending the school.

I believe in cooperation from both sides. And I still believe that it was too much of a burden for the other 5 and 6 yr olds to carry with them to have a life of their classmate virtually in their grubby little hands. imo

 

[Steely Dan]

I always find it interesting that the same people who think Christians shouldn't judge others, judge Christians the harshest, and that even a thread like this turns anti-any one religion.

I can see both sides on this issue - if it were my child that had a life threatening allergy, I just don't think I'd trust other 6 and 7 year olds to be the keeper of my daughter's life. I also think that if the unthinkable were to happen, it's not fair to burn that particular memory in a class full of kids.

I don't know what the answer is, but I think harsh views on either side don't help in this particular situation. It's not a crime to not want to be responsible for someone else's life, it's also not a crime to try to assimilate your kid with other kids.

I do take issue with "well what if both parents work and one doesn't want to quit" fact is maybe one should to take care of their child that they want to see grow into adulthood instead of hoping the school or school children don't make a mistake. Home school options include much more than one parent or the other staying home too - there are charter school choices, and home school co-opts that parents can join for little or no cost.

As a side note my family has tons of allergies, when we were kids the principal called my mom and said "why does Richie not ever cheat with his allergies, and Charlie does?" My mom laughed and said "because Rich gets blinding headaches that knock him out for days, and Charlie's inside elbow itches a little bit, so it's worth it to both of them to cheat or not cheat." I don't think 6 and 7 year olds fully comprehend that it could be life or death...i just think that's too much responsibility to put on them.

With all due respect, a lot of people are offended by the smallest slight against Christianity (i.e. a store advertising a Holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree) and yet slight Christ's teachings themselves everyday. If you think the parents who are trying to get the child removed are acting like Christians, that's your right. The criticism of Christians, IMO, is justified when they act like this. If they were true Christians they would do what they can to help the child happily.

The judgment of Christians by non Christians is done because most of the time they understand Christ's teachings better than most self proclaimed Christians. JMO

 

[WhyaDuck?]

This is a general statement so please no one person be offended because for the most part I have no idea who is Christian and who is not.

It amazes me how a lot of people want this to be a "Christian" nation but seem to have no clue what Jesus was about. I find it exceedingly hard to believe that Jesus would tell that girl to get home schooled and the complaining parents they understand his message very well. JMO

Fortunately, JBeans story above shows that a lot of people do get it. Unfortunately, not enough. The sacrifices that are being asked of these kids are so small it's embarrassing me to be in the same country as these people. Japan has been destroyed. People are homeless, cold, unaware of whether loved ones are alive or dead, needing water and food. In Libya people are being tortured by an evil regime and warplanes are dropping bombs. The people of North Korea are living a hellish existence and it goes on and on. Now these people are up in arms over hand washing. :banghead:

And I'll reiterate another point that really bothers me in a lot of different situations. If one of the complainers had a kid in the same situation they would want their kid in the school and suddenly the people, like them, who are against the kid going to the school would be bad guys.

Before making a big stink like this people should ask themselves, what if it were me on the other side. It's real easy to give an off the cuff; "I'd home school my kid." comment. More questions need to be asked of yourself though.

How? Who would teach them. This is a first grader if both parents have to work who quits to home school?

I did say I would homeschool my child if the allergy was as life threatening as this sounds, at least until the child was old enough to be safer about things. I also asked about the State of Florida resources for parents to have home school assistance, but no one responded to that because everyone is too busy arguing about kindness and acceptance.

I resent the implication that my opinion was off the cuff, callous or thoughtless. Indeed, it was not - I would homeschool if it protected my child's life - with proper resources.

I was also in favour of accommodating the child at the school - I want whatever is best for the child in question. What is safest, not what proves the biggest point.

I will say, though, on an unrelated note, it always amazes me how people get concerned about tolerance and acceptance to the point where they refuse to tolerate and accept the opinions of others.

 

[Steely Dan]

I think the key is moderation on both sides. As I said previously. I had NO PROBLEM following the rules for a 'nut-free zone' school, or with the hand washing 3 x a day. It was not a big thing and had some good side benefits.

And if a child has a bad allergy that requires that ALL of the students refrain from eating the nutty substances then I think it is fine to ask them not to.

HOWEVER, if that child's allergy is so severe that they literally go into shock instantly and their throats begin closing in mere minutes, and they could die within those few moments then I think they should NOT go to a large public school.

I believe they could find a smaller more private school which would be safer for them in the long run. Our school was large and was alongside the middle school so it affected 1500 students all together. It was really hard and stressful to monitor so many students and staff members. Again, if the allergic child had a moderate allergy, or even a serious one, which did not require immediate response to prevent death, then I am all for the child attending the school.

I believe in cooperation from both sides. And I still believe that it was too much of a burden for the other 5 and 6 yr olds to carry with them to have a life of their classmate virtually in their grubby little hands. imo

BBM

If more than the affected child sitting at a separate table and classmates washing hands and mouths is called for then the kid should probably find an alternative way of being schooled. In this particular case that is not what's going on. JMO

 

[Steely Dan]

I did say I would homeschool my child if the allergy was as life threatening as this sounds, at least until the child was old enough to be safer about things. I also asked about the State of Florida resources for parents to have home school assistance, but no one responded to that because everyone is too busy arguing about kindness and acceptance.

I resent the implication that my opinion was off the cuff, callous or thoughtless. Indeed, it was not - I would homeschool if it protected my child's life - with proper resources.

BBM

I was also in favour of accommodating the child at the school - I want whatever is best for the child in question. What is safest, not what proves the biggest point.

I will say, though, on an unrelated note, it always amazes me how people get concerned about tolerance and acceptance to the point where they refuse to tolerate and accept the opinions of others.

Whyaduck, that wasn't meant for you. I'm sorry if it came across that way. It was a comment meant for the complaining parents. I'd bet dollars to donuts that none of them, before protesting, looked into what it would take to home school a child. They probably don't care if it costs that family a million dollars. Making their kids wash their hands and mouths is too intrusive.

To be honest I don't even think the people protesting are protesting what the cautionary steps are. I think they are more upset about what rights the parents "think they have" or having to adjust their lives so another persons life is more normal and that's what saddens me. They should be happy to do it for moral reasons alone. JMO

 

[Trident]

I don't believe anyone here wants to see a child ostracized or put in harms way because of any allergy. I do believe everyone here has a good heart. But, I also believe there are far too many who would put their own needs above the needs of many others and call "foul" when they weren't catered to.

Why? should any group be forced to bow to the needs of one? Back when there was "natural selection", that didn't happen, nature took care of itself. If the parents, in this case, want safety for their child, in my opinion, they need to provide it, even if it means putting themselves out, never mind the million dollars, and homeschooling the child. You want your child to live? As parents, DO WHAT IT TAKES, but don't expect others to do it for you.

My opinion only

 

[WhyaDuck?]

What really gets me about this case is that this little girl (presumably) had to hear "everyone wants her out of this school." Even if that is not the substance of the issue, I am sure that is what will stick with her, and I do find that brutal.

 

[Steely Dan]

I don't believe anyone here wants to see a child ostracized or put in harms way because of any allergy. I do believe everyone here has a good heart. But, I also believe there are far too many who would put their own needs above the needs of many others and call "foul" when they weren't catered to.

Why? should any group be forced to bow to the needs of one? Back when there was "natural selection", that didn't happen, nature took care of itself. If the parents, in this case, want safety for their child, in my opinion, they need to provide it, even if it means putting themselves out, never mind the million dollars, and homeschooling the child. You want your child to live? As parents, DO WHAT IT TAKES, but don't expect others to do it for you.

My opinion only

With all due respect, back in the days of natural selection there were no heart, appendix, broken bone, or a myriad of other surgeries/cures for things. Do you believe we should stop trying to save anyone anymore?

It saddens me that you refuse to help others just out of the kindness of your heart.

 

[Trident]

With all due respect, back in the days of natural selection there were no heart, appendix, broken bone, or a myriad of other surgeries/cures for things. Do you believe we should stop trying to save anyone anymore?

It saddens me that you refuse to help others just out of the kindness of your heart.

The kindness of my heart has feed the hungry, clothed the naked, and given shelter to many without a roof. However, I don't feel it kindness of anyone's heart to bend over backward for a family who maybe should take responsibility for the life of their own child. God helps those who help themselves.

My opinion only

 

[Steely Dan]

The kindness of my heart has feed the hungry, clothed the naked, and given shelter to many without a roof. However, I don't feel it kindness of anyone's heart to bend over backward for a family who maybe should take responsibility for the life of their own child. God helps those who help themselves.

My opinion only

I guess that's where we disagree. Being asked to wash hands and rinse mouths doesn't constitute bending over backward. JMO

 

[Trident]

I guess that's where we disagree. Being asked to wash hands and rinse mouths doesn't constitute bending over backward. JMO

ITA, UNTIL someone forgets, some little kid makes a mistake and that precipitates the death of someone else, ie, this little allergic girl. WHY would anyone WANT, parents included, to put small children in this situation if this child is in danger of dying? WHY? What point is there to it?

 

[Steely Dan]

ITA, UNTIL someone forgets, some little kid makes a mistake and that precipitates the death of someone else, ie, this little allergic girl. WHY would anyone WANT, parents included, to put small children in this situation if this child is in danger of dying? WHY? What point is there to it?

I have not read anywhere yet that the child is in danger of dying from exposure. I think this is a tempest in a teapot.

 

[Steely Dan]

My bad. This calls it "Life threatening"

[video=youtube;rsVViq9rdmo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsVViq9rdmo[/video]

What that exactly means is anyone's guess. I mean how much exposure threatens her life? If the parents are happy with hand washing, mouth wiping and a separate table at lunch it can't be that easy. One would think. Anyhow, I'd do it just because it seems the humane thing to do. JMO

 

[Linda7NJ]

I always find it interesting that the same people who think Christians shouldn't judge others, judge Christians the harshest, and that even a thread like this turns anti-any one religion.

.

BBM and sniped

I'm an atheist, I just sit back and watch:innocent:

 

[JBean]

ITA, UNTIL someone forgets, some little kid makes a mistake and that precipitates the death of someone else, ie, this little allergic girl. WHY would anyone WANT, parents included, to put small children in this situation if this child is in danger of dying? WHY? What point is there to it?

I think if you read the clariying infomration you will see that the inconveneince to the children and fanilies is minimal. They are only being asked to do a small part to help this girl go to school. A few simple measures that are not uncommon in public schools, are apparently enough.

The thing that really blows me away about this story is that these parents actually stood in front of the school and protested! really? Even if they formed a group and made an appointment with the school officials to air their grievances and gain some clarity I would have more repsect for their cause.
I would be ashamed if this was handled like this in my community. I do think there might be protestors protesting the protestors though !

I bet the kids were more than happy to oblige this 6 year old.

 

[Linda7NJ]

I don't believe anyone here wants to see a child ostracized or put in harms way because of any allergy. I do believe everyone here has a good heart. But, I also believe there are far too many who would put their own needs above the needs of many others and call "foul" when they weren't catered to.

Why? should any group be forced to bow to the needs of one? Back when there was "natural selection", that didn't happen, nature took care of itself. If the parents, in this case, want safety for their child, in my opinion, they need to provide it, even if it means putting themselves out, never mind the million dollars, and homeschooling the child. You want your child to live? As parents, DO WHAT IT TAKES, but don't expect others to do it for you.

My opinion only

Thanks just wasn't enough, Excellent post!

 

[Trident]

My bad. This calls it "Life threatening"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsVViq9rdmo

What that exactly means is anyone's guess. I mean how much exposure threatens her life? If the parents are happy with hand washing, mouth wiping and a separate table at lunch it can't be that easy. One would think. Anyhow, I'd do it just because it seems the humane thing to do. JMO

I was just going to post that. Believe me, I know how you feel, we all want our children to live a normal life, but sometimes to "live" means we have to take steps on our own to ensure that.

No bad for you or for me, just maybe different views. If my child was in that spot, I would to ANYTHING, homeschooling, masks, staying out of crowds, whatever it took to ensure my child's life. Maybe there is no right or wrong, maybe common sense and love.

 

[JBean]

I don't believe anyone here wants to see a child ostracized or put in harms way because of any allergy. I do believe everyone here has a good heart. But, I also believe there are far too many who would put their own needs above the needs of many others and call "foul" when they weren't catered to.

Why? should any group be forced to bow to the needs of one? Back when there was "natural selection", that didn't happen, nature took care of itself. If the parents, in this case, want safety for their child, in my opinion, they need to provide it, even if it means putting themselves out, never mind the million dollars, and homeschooling the child. You want your child to live? As parents, DO WHAT IT TAKES, but don't expect others to do it for you.

My opinion only

Natural selection?
Are you suggesting this girl be kicked out of the gene pool so the other kids don't have to swim with her? help me here.

 

[Steely Dan]

I think if you read the clariying infomration you will see that the inconveneince to the children and fanilies is minimal. They are only being asked to do a small part to help this girl go to school. A few simple measures that are not uncommon in public schools, are apparently enough.

The thing that really blows me away about this story is that these parents actually stood in front of the school and protested! really? Even if they formed a group and made an appointment with the school officials to air their grievances and gain some clarity I would have more repsect for their cause.
I would be ashamed if this was handled like this in my community. I do think there might be protestors protesting the protestors though !

I bet the kids were more than happy to oblige this 6 year old.

What she said. :thumb: