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August 30, 2005
Girl Scouts and Food Allergies
I know that a *lot* of my readers lurk (I see you!) but I was hoping that someone might be able to offer some suggestions.
My five year old, in case anyone didn't know, has major food allergies. Nuts, peanuts, fish, dairy, and eggs are the big ones and she can have an anaphylactic reaction if she does ingest any of those items. I am her Daisy scout leader this year and I was wondering how other parents and troop leaders run meetings and have their child participate in events where there could be a life threatening problem. I think I have snack time covered but I am always up for new suggestions.
Please, I don't want any debates about how it's your child's right to eat peanut butter in school. I am just asking for some assistance. Thanks. : - )
Posted by Cate at August 30, 2005 04:10 PM
Comments
Well, in my experience, it's best if moms and dads do what I know you've already done, that is, calmly let the other parents know ahead of time what danger your kid is in. I know my husband (as a teacher) has appreciated being told ahead of time about certain health/social problems so that if an unfortunate situation arises, he already has the tools to deal with it.
Also, if people are aware ahead of time, it's easier to work around any issue that a child might have, be it an allergy or another medical condition.
I guess its the "two heads are better than one approach".....
Posted by: caltechgirl at August 30, 2005 04:43 PM
Hmmm, all I can offer is that my youngest has food issues related to reflux, and I nicely explain that she has some food limitations, and then hand over an appropriate snack. Most parents will go out of their way to accomodate her the second time.
Posted by: Theresa at August 30, 2005 08:02 PM
Not that Koty's situation is anything like your daughter's but I do have her on a GF/CF diet and I have been doing pretty good about being strict with it. What I have done is basically what the others have already mentioned- I have let her teachers and therapists know ahead of time what is and isn't acceptable. I send her lunch and snacks with her to school everyday. My biggest hurdle has been that Koty will see another child eating something that is on her restricted list and she will want some as well. I can imagine this is a bigger challenge for an older child. What I have done is look at the school menu and do my best to match up somewhat with what they are having at school with a GF/CF version of the same food. Not an easy task. lol
It sounds like you are doing pretty much everything that you can do- informing others of the situation, offering alternatives and so forth.
Posted by: Michelle at August 30, 2005 08:50 PM
