Food Allergy Update

Today was the day I dusted off my teacher hat, went into my daughter's 2nd grade class and taught a lesson on food allergies. I think the kids had a good time but I think they have a whole new understanding. The kids' eyes were big and the room was silent when I talked about what happens to my daughter when her allergic reaction begins. They also seemed to be super happy that they didn't ever have to have "that great big shot". I demonstrated the epi-pen by using a trainer on the teacher and then she practiced on me. The kids also talked through what they could do to help someone having an allergic reaction.

All in all, I think it was a productive class session and what happened last week will never happen (at least with this class) ever again.

I'd like to thank KidsHealth.org for this great lesson and AllergyKids.com for this very concise "what to do" section of their website.

Now, I'm assembling age appropriate educational materials for the school. I need children's books, lesson plans, and informational sheets for lower and upper grades (K-6) that talk about, educate, and inform children about food allergies. If anyone knows of some materials that would be helpful, please let me know!

Food Allergy Bullies

I'm going to get up on my soap box. Give me some room because I'm going to harp on this and harp on it---HARD!

I'm appalled and so upset. I'm ready to put up my dukes and start my own kind of fight.

Today, my little girl was bullied by 2 boys with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Now, I know to most of you that sounds ridiculous. How on earth can someone be bullied with a simple PB and J sandwich?

Well, kids with peanut and tree nut allergies can.

My daughter suffers from severe food allergies. She is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. She doesn't just get hives or an upset stomach. Her throat closes up, her lips and tongue swell and she can't breathe. It only takes about 1 minute. It's called anaphylactic shock. She could die if it's not treated quickly.

These boys thought it would be funny? They wanted to tease her? I'm not sure.

Now to be fair to these 2 boys, I'm certain they didn't understand the severity of their actions (although after the tongue lashing the teacher gave them I'm sure they do now)

But something has to happen. There needs to be some education. A peanut free table at the lunch area isn't enough.

My mission has started. I'm off to help facilitate change.

Watch out. This Mama is armed with pamphlets from Kids With Food Allergies.org and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.

Mr. Principal, I'm coming to see you.