Recently, I stumbled upon a post from a parent lamenting how they feel inconvenienced by having to accommodate children with food allergies. This individual expressed frustration over “allergy madness,” claiming that kids like theirs miss out on their favorite treats during classroom celebrations, and that it’s unfair to have to consider alternative snacks that everyone can enjoy. In her post titled “Why Should My Child Miss Out on Birthday Treats Because of Allergies?”, she reminisces about the days of bringing in homemade goodies made with “fresh butter, sugar, and yes, real flour with real gluten in it.”
Oh, poor her.
Here’s the thing: the kids with allergies are in school—an environment where they should feel included and safe. While cupcakes with fluffy frosting might delight most, they leave out those who cannot partake. Even if these kids have their own stash of safe snacks, it simply doesn’t compare to the joy of enjoying a shared treat with friends. Imagine being a child, watching others indulge in cupcakes while you’re stuck with a fruit roll-up. It’s just not the same.
Let’s Consider a Scenario
I bring a bouncy castle to school for my child’s birthday party, but your child has severe asthma and can’t join in. By the logic of the disgruntled parent, I could just say to your child, “It’s fine! You can color while everyone else has fun. It’s basically the same!” Sure, I could do that. Would it be considerate? Absolutely not.
Kids don’t start kindergarten believing that sharing birthday treats is a crucial milestone; we, as parents, create that narrative. Celebrating a birthday can involve sharing more than just food. It can be about bringing in a favorite book, a fun game, or toys to share with the class—there are countless ways to make a child feel special without excluding anyone.
Consider Safe Snack Options
If you’re determined to bring food, consider options that are generally safe for everyone: sliced apples, grapes, bananas, carrots, or even potato chips. The parent I mentioned earlier claimed she wouldn’t bring treats for children with life-threatening allergies, but her tone suggested concern for liability more than empathy. If a child will only have a rash or stomach ache, she seems to think that’s not a big deal. That mindset is troubling.
The reactions to food allergies range widely—from rashes and itching to severe gastrointestinal distress. For example, those with Celiac disease experience an immune response that damages their intestines, leading to severe long-term health issues. So, while gluten may not cause immediate danger, it certainly affects quality of life.
Inclusivity Matters
The line that really gets to me is when she states, “my kid shouldn’t have to forgo his birthday cake because yours can’t eat it.” Let’s clarify: just because a child can’t have a specific treat at school doesn’t mean they can’t celebrate their birthday. After school, your child can enjoy all the gluten-filled cake they want, but during school hours, it’s about inclusivity.
If my daughter attended your child’s birthday bash filled with gluten, dairy, and peanut goodies, I’d be responsible for sending safe food along. However, if you choose to bring those allergens into a classroom, knowing it excludes other kids, that’s where the real issue lies.
I don’t expect everyone to cater to my daughter’s dietary restrictions, but I do hope for some basic consideration. I’ve equipped her with the knowledge to navigate these situations, teaching her to read labels and prioritize her safety. Unfortunately, I’ve also had to help her understand that not everyone shares that same empathy.
A Sarcastic Heartfelt Message
To the parents who complain about accommodating kids with food allergies, my heart goes out to you—sarcastically. The next time I take my daughter for her routine blood tests to monitor her health, I’ll think of how hard it must be for you to consider alternate snacks once in a while.
Conclusion
In summary, being considerate of children with food allergies doesn’t have to be a burden. It can be an opportunity for creativity and inclusiveness. Instead of focusing on what your child might miss, think about the joy of including everyone in the celebration.
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