When our son, Max, turned 8, we discovered he had severe allergies to various things, including cats, dust mites, and even penicillin. To make matters more complicated, he also struggles with numerous food and environmental allergens, totaling nearly 30 different triggers. Yes, it’s true—celery can be an allergen. Who knew?
After countless visits with school nurses, doctors, and allergists, we devised a plan to keep Max safe during class activities. While we’ve adjusted to life with allergies, the holiday season still brings a wave of anxiety. Classroom parties can feel daunting when trying to ensure every child feels included, especially those with allergies.
Prior to navigating these challenges, I never really considered the snacks I provided for classroom celebrations. Now, I realize the complexities of organizing a safe and inclusive event. It starts with communication—connecting with the room parent at the start of the year to discuss dietary restrictions, followed by emails to the teacher during allergy season to ensure Max is protected during outdoor events.
It can be frustrating when some parents don’t understand that kids with allergies require additional considerations. I’ve often encountered resistance from those who think that traditional treats—think cookies and juice—are non-negotiable. However, it’s crucial that every student feels safe and included during celebrations.
Finding allergy-friendly snacks can be tricky, especially when multiple allergies are present. A simple solution is to look for products free from the top 8 allergens: eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Brands like Enjoy Life focus on these needs, offering gluten-free and non-GMO options. While they may cost a bit more, the peace of mind is priceless.
If you’re planning to provide treats, consider alternatives like fruit snacks, fruit leather, or gummy candies (like Skittles and Sour Patch Kids). Always double-check labels for safety, but options like lollipops or gummy bears are generally safe picks.
Personally, I prefer to avoid food altogether for classroom treats. Here are some fun alternatives that have been a hit in Max’s class:
- Create a playlist of your child’s favorite tunes and burn a CD for the class.
- Puzzle books, such as crosswords or Sudoku, which kids still enjoy—Mad Libs are a classic!
- Affordable books from companies like Scholastic, often available for just $1, which also supports your child’s school.
- Stock up on crayons during back-to-school sales—kids adore fresh crayons at any time.
- Seasonal rubber stamps and ink pads with messages like “Happy Valentine’s Day!” add a fun touch.
- Jump ropes, inflatable pool toys, or Frisbees get kids moving and having fun.
- Mechanical pencils are a favorite among kids, and they come in bulk packs.
- Tokens for places like Chuck E. Cheese can be exciting rewards.
- Glow sticks for Halloween are always a crowd-pleaser, making it easy for parents to spot their kids at night.
- Silly stick-on mustaches or goofy glasses can lead to endless giggles.
- Photo props are a fun touch for classroom pictures—these are a hit with tweens!
- Small novelty items like fake bugs or magnifying glasses make great trinkets but be cautious of choking hazards for younger kids.
It’s heartwarming to see parents making an effort to ensure that snacks are inclusive for everyone. A simple email to the parent of a child with allergies asking for suggestions goes a long way. Providing safe snacks can truly be life-saving, and it’s a superpower every caring parent should embrace.
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In summary, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all children during classroom celebrations is essential, especially for those with allergies. By choosing thoughtful, inclusive treats, we can ensure every child feels valued and included.