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

[Nova]

I have learned so much from this thread!

From the beginning I had no problem with classrooms altering their behavior (banning bake sales, washing their hands, even asking parents not to pack nut products in kids' lunches) so that children with peanut-allergies could function in a more "normal" setting. (FWIW, my grandchildren are required to do all these things in their Massachusetts school system. It's not a big deal.)

But after reading here, I also agree with those who say there is a limit. If an allergy is so severe that death is a likely result, then the child with the allergy really needs to be placed in a different setting. It isn't fair to young children to make them all responsible for their friend's life.

 

[CCD]

This is my based on my opinion and experiences...I mean no offense and maybe I'm drawing illogical conclusions. Isn't it a child's right to be able to attend school? We make a whole lot of concessions for other children who have conditions out of their control? I can't really say that homeschooling a child for an allergy is fair...but I get why some would suggest it.

In response to that girl who died from the chinese food - I think that was just as much the family's fault as the restaurant. I mean, with my allergy, if there was anything that could have had peanuts in it, and chinese food usually does, my mom would have just said 'Erin, I know you want to eat it but it's just not safe for you'. You have to take responsibility yourself for your allergy - you cant be sure others will, because essentially it's not everyone else's job.

My allergy is deadly, and I've had it since I was a year and a half. I can detect peanuts from very minute scents. I'd have a hard time believing that this six year old can't (JMO). But I also don't think sheltering her at home is going to teach her how to handle it as she gets older. I think it has to be a balance between what this girl does for herself, and just simple preventative measures by her classmates.

 

[Steely Dan]

Obviously if someones allergy is so serious that even breathing in a peanut substance could cause death, most parents wouldnt let the children out their sight. The other thing is each time an allergic child is exposed to peanuts their reaction becomes more severe, thats why total abstinence is better for the child. We all love our children and want the best for them and I as a parent of an allergic child have made a lot more sacrifices, so has my daughter believe me, we all make adjustments in our lives every day to accomodate others, well most of us anyway.

The problem here is there are certain posters that think its too much to ask for them not to eat peanuts around an allergic child or wash their hands.

Also what I have problem with is people stateing that allergic children or their parents want everyone to accomodate them thats just not the case.


People are just asking for a little consideration personally I think some are blowing this all out of proportion.

One of my friend daughters was born with a serious heart condition went through major heart surgery when she was days old. She has cardiomyopathy
and hates balloons the bang gives her a fright. So when were having parties no balloons. thats consideration not a chore or inconvenience.

As for this story about the restaurant it looks like they were asked by the teacher to have no peanut products INCLUDING OILS AND SAUCES. All restaurant owners or anyone in the food industry will be well aware of the dangers of food allergies and guidelines they can follow, there are Health and Safety rules that must be adhered to so saying theyre not responsable is wrong. If they couldnt have guaranteed there would be no peanut based products then they should have informed the school of this. The school then could decide whether to use them or not.

However, I also agree and think the easiest would have been the child could have taken her own food its what I would have done. The girl was 13 she could have avoided the food table, BUT, the restaurent was asked the question and were told no peanuts or oils or sauces and look what happened no amount of sorrys can bring this child back.
It alsostates the food was HEAVILY CONTAMINATED so it wasnt even trace contamination.

I also wonder why didnt they adminster any medication where was her epi-pen? did she even have one? It does say that officials, even though she had trouble breathing, didnt administer medication. sad.

BBM

It really depends on how the teacher phrased it and we don't know that, or if the teacher said anything at all. That one I'd need a lot more info. on to make any judgment right now. JMO

 

[angeldust]

[ The suit claims that Carlson's teacher, Jack Matsumoto, asked employees at the Chinese Inn Restaurant to make sure peanut products such as oils and sauces were not used in preparing the meals for a Dec. 17 party at Edison Regional Gifted Center in Albany Park)

Hi Steely

This is what I was refering to when I made the post. Although It doesnt prove he did.

I havent worked out how to quote yet lol

Hi CCD

have you any advice you could give a worried mum, (me), my 10 year old has just been diagnosed were trying not to be neurotic about it just being careful

 

[BuzzieCat]

http://niles.patch.com/articles/law...from-a-lot-of-peanut-in-niles-restaurant-food

This article, if it can be believed, says the parents didn't know there was going to be a party with food at the school. Also says that the girl's 504 health plan called for Benadryl.

 

[Steely Dan]

[ The suit claims that Carlson's teacher, Jack Matsumoto, asked employees at the Chinese Inn Restaurant to make sure peanut products such as oils and sauces were not used in preparing the meals for a Dec. 17 party at Edison Regional Gifted Center in Albany Park)

Hi Steely

This is what I was refering to when I made the post. Although It doesnt prove he did.

I havent worked out how to quote yet lol

Hi CCD

have you any advice you could give a worried mum, (me), my 10 year old has just been diagnosed were trying not to be neurotic about it just being careful

Thanks, I did see that but they are going by what the teacher told them. I feel I need more info. to go by.

 

[JBean]

I have learned so much from this thread!

From the beginning I had no problem with classrooms altering their behavior (banning bake sales, washing their hands, even asking parents not to pack nut products in kids' lunches) so that children with peanut-allergies could function in a more "normal" setting. (FWIW, my grandchildren are required to do all these things in their Massachusetts school system. It's not a big deal.)

But after reading here, I also agree with those who say there is a limit. If an allergy is so severe that death is a likely result, then the child with the allergy really needs to be placed in a different setting. It isn't fair to young children to make them all responsible for their friend's life.

Hey Nova.
The sad thing about this whole story is that the concerns of the protesting parents were not about the girl's well being, that was almost an aside. they were protesting about valuable learning time being robbed from their own children and that was violating their rights.
But isn't getting first hand experience in helping someone to do something important a learning experience in and of itself? You can't teach that any other way except doing it.

I read some parents were keeping their children out of the school in protest! Regardless of where any of you are on this issue,how do you all feel about the parents protesting? I mean there are so many issues with all our public school systems, for this to be the issue that caused parents to take some action is unbelievable to me.

 

[katydid23]

If her emergency health plan just called for benadryl then imo they underestimated the severity of her allergy. Benadryl will not prevent a child from going into anaphalyxsis[sp]
shock quickly enough to prevent death. That is why they need epi-pens--because it is instantaneous.
Someone was negligent and I don't believe it was the restaurant. imo

 

[LinasK]

If her emergency health plan just called for benadryl then imo they underestimated the severity of her allergy. Benadryl will not prevent a child from going into anaphalyxsis[sp]
shock quickly enough to prevent death. That is why they need epi-pens--because it is instantaneous.
Someone was negligent and I don't believe it was the restaurant. imo

Benadryl did the trick for my friend's son that my daughter gave the peanut M&M. Of course he only bit 1/4 of it and immediately spit it out and I gave him the Benadryl immediately, but he required no further intervention, epi-pen or otherwise...

 

[jjenny]

BBM

It really depends on how the teacher phrased it and we don't know that, or if the teacher said anything at all. That one I'd need a lot more info. on to make any judgment right now. JMO

Yes, what evidence is there that the teacher actually did inform the restaurant? Presumably, it will be his word against "Judy's" who allegedly took the order. Also, Judy sounds like an american name so presumably she understands english well, but sometimes people working in chinese restaurants don't speak/understand english very well. Which could make a big difference in whether they understand the instructions of not using peanut products. Frankly, like I already said, ordering from a chinese restaurant doesn't make sense to me if one wants food without peanut products, considering peanut products are used widely in chinese cooking.

 

[WhyaDuck?]

Really a horrible thing for this child and her family; they have my sympathies.

 

[katydid23]

Benadryl did the trick for my friend's son that my daughter gave the peanut M&M. Of course he only bit 1/4 of it and immediately spit it out and I gave him the Benadryl immediately, but he required no further intervention, epi-pen or otherwise...

But I don't think your friend's son had as severe an allergy as these other kids. I know that the child in our old school needed much more than benadryl. Her mother told me it was too slow acting for them. Her daughter's throat would begin closing within a couple of minutes, and Benadryl takes longer than that to begin counter attacking the allergins.

My son has a bad allergy to dander and to grass. He gets a rash if he sits bare legged on a lawn. [ not anymore, he outgrew it.] But he took Benadryl for that but it took at least an hour to begin working.

 

[katydid23]

Yes, what evidence is there that the teacher actually did inform the restaurant? Presumably, it will be his word against "Judy's" who allegedly took the order. Also, Judy sounds like an american name so presumably she understands english well, but sometimes people working in chinese restaurants don't speak/understand english very well. Which could make a big difference in whether they understand the instructions of not using peanut products. Frankly, like I already said, ordering from a chinese restaurant doesn't make sense to me if one wants food without peanut products, considering peanut products are used widely in chinese cooking.

If they understood the severity and that it was a matter of life or death then I DOUBT they would have accepted the order. The kitchen was full of peanut oil traces because Chinese food traditionally uses it a lot. The cooks probably decided not to add peanuts or almonds or peanut oil to any of the dishes, but used the same utensils,cutting board and pans they always used. I bet they did not understand the implications or the severity of the situation.

I think the parents should have been informed of the school party and they should have made some plans to help prevent this tragedy. Of course, knowing 7th graders, the school probably did send home a notice and it never reached the family. Tragic all the way around.

 

[LinasK]

But I don't think your friend's son had as severe an allergy as these other kids. I know that the child in our old school needed much more than benadryl. Her mother told me it was too slow acting for them. Her daughter's throat would begin closing within a couple of minutes, and Benadryl takes longer than that to begin counter attacking the allergins.

My son has a bad allergy to dander and to grass. He gets a rash if he sits bare legged on a lawn. [ not anymore, he outgrew it.] But he took Benadryl for that but it took at least an hour to begin working.

Was it liquid or pill form? I had the liquid form- may be quicker acting because it doesn't have to be broken down...

 

[katydid23]

Was it liquid or pill form? I had the liquid form- may be quicker acting because it doesn't have to be broken down...

No matter which type of Benadryl, it is not nearly as strong as an epi-pen.



http://www.peanutallergy.com/boards/benadryl-vs-epi-pen
Briefly, Benadryl is for minor reactions like hives and a little facial swelling. Your EpiJr is for full anaphylaxis, when DS can't breathe.

Yes, but if you're suffering the type of life-threatening allergic reaction that can kill you within minutes, the Benadryl would not work fast enough. That's why epi-pens use an injection, because that's the only way to deliver the medication quickly enough to save someone from one of these very severe reactions.

 

[LinasK]

No matter which type of Benadryl, it is not nearly as strong as an epi-pen.



http://www.peanutallergy.com/boards/benadryl-vs-epi-pen
Briefly, Benadryl is for minor reactions like hives and a little facial swelling. Your EpiJr is for full anaphylaxis, when DS can't breathe.

Yes, but if you're suffering the type of life-threatening allergic reaction that can kill you within minutes, the Benadryl would not work fast enough. That's why epi-pens use an injection, because that's the only way to deliver the medication quickly enough to save someone from one of these very severe reactions.

Actually, I had hives, and it was major, not minor- to the point where my eyelids were swelling shut, plus head to toe swelling all over my body from a drug reaction. I was given Benadryl via an I.V. in the Emergency Room...

 

[twinkiesmom]

But after reading here, I also agree with those who say there is a limit. If an allergy is so severe that death is a likely result, then the child with the allergy really needs to be placed in a different setting. It isn't fair to young children to make them all responsible for their friend's life.

Do you not understand that by Federal Law the child has a right to attend school in a regular classroom?

Any peanut allergy is potentially life threatening. You could have hives the first time and progress to full anaphylaxis the next.

You're going to keep thousands of kids with lifethreatening allergies out of the classroom when they are legally entitled to be there and a little handwashing and separate lunch tables are the primary precautions to keep them safe?

Do you realize that peanut allergy affects ~1% of the population? These are not a few kids...It is a few kids per grade in every school nationwide.

 

[katydid23]

Actually, I had hives, and it was major, not minor- to the point where my eyelids were swelling shut, plus head to toe swelling all over my body from a drug reaction. I was given Benadryl via an I.V. in the Emergency Room...

But an IV in the emergency room is much different than taking liquid Benadryl
imo.

All I am saying is that according to the parents on the PeanutAllergy.com site
there is a big difference between Benadryl and an Epi-pen.

And the same was said by the mom of the girl that almost died twice at our school. Benadryl will not prevent a child from dying on Anaphylaxsis shock.
It is for hives and swelling but does not work fast enough to prevent the throat from closing.

 

[Nova]

Hey Nova.
The sad thing about this whole story is that the concerns of the protesting parents were not about the girl's well being, that was almost an aside. they were protesting about valuable learning time being robbed from their own children and that was violating their rights.
But isn't getting first hand experience in helping someone to do something important a learning experience in and of itself? You can't teach that any other way except doing it.

I read some parents were keeping their children out of the school in protest! Regardless of where any of you are on this issue,how do you all feel about the parents protesting? I mean there are so many issues with all our public school systems, for this to be the issue that caused parents to take some action is unbelievable to me.

J, I absolutely agree that time taken from class to teach proper hygiene is NOT a waste of time. Good hand-washing habits benefit everyone throughout their lives.

And as I said above, EVERY successful group makes allowances for some of the individual needs of its members. (American corporations used to know this. IMO, they've forgotten and are paying the price.)

Those individual needs may be disabilities protected under Title XII or they may just be individual ideosyncracies. Johnny does better when he sits nearer to the teacher. Sarah performs better on group projects when she is teamed with Nathan. When I was 11, I was "assigned" a retarded kid to watch over every day at YMCA camp. It never crossed my mind that it was a burden (and his life wasn't risk). Etc. and so forth.

(I once had a group of teaching assistants that included a polio survivor who couldn't do certain heavy physical tasks. So we made allowances for that. But as I pointed out to her and the rest of the group, we also accommodated so-and-so's class that overlapped our lecture hour and we accommodated my work schedule, because I was working two additional jobs, etc. Just because one person's special need was covered by Title XII did not actually make it more inconvenient than anyone else's needs.)

Sorry, this is longer than I intended, but my point is that teaching children that creating a successful group requires helping each member with his or her special needs is as important as anything we might teach them.

***

Where I draw the line (and I agree it's an invisible line and perhaps not easy to find) is when the allergy is so deadly that the risk that someone will inadvertently kill the allergy victim becomes significant. At that point, "mainstreaming" the allergy sufferer isn't fair to her or to the other students.

 

[Nova]

Do you not understand that by Federal Law the child has a right to attend school in a regular classroom?

Any peanut allergy is potentially life threatening. You could have hives the first time and progress to full anaphylaxis the next.

You're going to keep thousands of kids with lifethreatening allergies out of the classroom when they are legally entitled to be there and a little handwashing and separate lunch tables are the primary precautions to keep them safe?

Do you realize that peanut allergy affects ~1% of the population? These are not a few kids...It is a few kids per grade in every school nationwide.

How many of my posts did you read before you exploded?

Yes, of course, I understand the general requirements of Title XII. As I wrote above, I've been a teacher and always abided by its rules. However, my kids were college-age and their needs usually revolved around extra time on essay tests or permission to record lectures. Their disabilities weren't life-threatening.

Yes, I realize that any allergy--including those not yet diagnosed--could be life-threatening, just as I realize that any kid might be hit by a car crossing the street. There is no perfect safety.

What I don't know is where courts have drawn lines on this, but to me, when a child's allergy becomes so severe that s/he can die from breathing near a coat that was merely in the same plane with peanuts (see posts above on this real case), at that point, it's time to keep the child home FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHILD as well as for the sake of the other students.