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FloF9
member
Rules are made to be broken...
FloF9
member
So SS announced he was going to give blood this Friday at school. For those of you who don't know - the age is normally 18 but if a parent signs a Red Cross form the kids can start donating at 16 yrs old. Problem is he's not 16 yet until the 30th of this month. The form states that the parent signing confirms the child is at least 16 years of age. Am I the only one that has a problem with this? Mind you I think it's great that he wants to donate but I think there is a reason for these type of clauses. (not sure if clause is a good word?).
Anyway SS has been on a "diet" for the past 3 weeks. He eats a yogurt for breakfast, nothing for lunch and then is ravenous by dinnertime. I've gone through with him over and over and over with him that food is good for him, and what high calorie foods are, etc... I have stocked the pantry and fridge with good fresh veggies, fruits, etc.. and don't restrict anything on him. He continues to make bad food choices though. He got money for Christmas so whenever he's with his dad he buys chips, Gatorade, etc... I say nothing. I let him help himself to more veggies, and lean meat whenever he wants seconds(I've been accused of micromanaging his food intake on this forum too).
So I could see him possibly crashing badly if he does donate a pint.
My husband was ready to sign the form which has a disclaimer on it(knowing he isn't 16 yet). OY~
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Rules are made to be broken...
I wouldn't sign the form. I'm all for breaking the rules sometimes, but not when it comes to the health or welfare of a child.
Think positively! They test blood first, and it sounds to me like with that diet, he might be anemic anyways. Then they won't let him donate!
I passed out once after giving blood, and let me tell you, it scared me sh!tless. I started eating a lot better after that. Although, I was 22...
I don't know why there is a rule about being at least 16, but I would take it seriously. This is blood that goes to other people too...it could be that a child's blood doesn't have enough of something in it for adults or something like that. It probably isn't a big deal since he will be 16 in a few weeks, but I wouldn't chance it when it comes to health issues. Plus, you teach him to break this rule, you'll have a hard time explaining why he can't break other rules in the future.
I guess I was just irked that he went behind my back to see if his dad would sign for him.
The last thing I want to happen to him is to pass out - or to feel crappy unnecessarily. I told him "do you know that you donate a pint at a time" Dumb kid he actually thought they were going to take out an OUNCE!
What's the hurry??? He can wait until the next one.
Meh. You're not really upset that "he's too young." You're upset w/how he's eating.
There is not a substantial enough amount of development that is going to go on between now, and 25 days from now when he turns 16, for his "not being 16" to be the real issue here.
I'd let him do it, but if he fainted while giving blood, perhaps he would learn to eat more than yogurt during the day. But, I'm in a oddball mood today, so take it with a grain of salt...
I am agreeing with this. There is a reason they have the age and weight requirements and I would be more concerned about the weight than age. And like Sprky said, what will happen in the next 25 days that will make him more ready? I would just tell him that he better start eating better or he will pass out or might not pass the blood test before giving. I think that wanting to give is great and I would not let 25 days get in the way of that.
I agree with Karma... Im all for breaking stupid rules - BUT - this one is regarding his health...
I get blood transfusions often, and when one of my little cousins (13) found out he wanted to donate so badly... It was very touching that he wanted too, but I just explained that he had to wait.
Wait until his birthdday on the 30th and then take him to the Red Cross to donate. Maybe you can talk to the school and he can volunteer to HELP at the blood drive and really see what its all about...
Sorry, hit post to soon
I will also add that as a frequent transfuser (is that even a word? haha) I would be HIGHLY upset if I found out that someone lied on their application and gave blood anyways... I rely on blood to stay alive - I rely on others to be honest.