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Would you say something to the preschool teacher (peanut related)?

Lil KateLil Kate member
in Food Allergy

DS is allergic to peanuts and eggs.  He just started a preschool program 2x per week for 2.5 hours.  The school has been great with working with us and his allergies.  They are even having the class wipe with antibacterial wipes before entering class (as long as I provide them).

Ok, my issue is that a parent on line asked about Jackson's allergies and I told her what he is allergic to.  She said that is good to know....we eat eggs all the time for breakfast and sometimes I don't wipe him completely.  The she said...oh yeah and we ate nuts in the car on the way over here.  I am more concerned about a 2.5 year old eating nuts in the car and possible getting it all over his hands, clothes, face etc. I worry that maybe he dropped some in his carseat and then was sitting on them...could be residue on clothes, face etc.  I am nervous because DS is still too little to really explain his symptoms to someone.  Would you say something to the teacher (maybe they can send a letter home indicating good cleaning practices prior to coming to school if peanuts were eaten?)  Am I being crazy here since I know peopel can do whatever they want before school.  However, it is a totally peanut/tree nut free school....

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Re: Would you say something to the preschool teacher (peanut related)?

  • funchickenfunchicken member

    My DD's allergy is severe, and her preschool teacher typed up a little info sheet that she handed out asking parents to please not send any snacks with peanuts/tree nuts.  It explained a little bit about anaphylaxis and gave some instructions on what to look for on food labels.  Also, all of the kids wash their hands as soon as they get in the classroom.

    I think it's going too far to try to get the teacher to control things outside the classroom, and I'd be worried about pissing off non-allergy parents by addressing good cleaning practices.  I think most people try to be conscientious.  I know it's scary, though. 

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  • blue33blue33 member
    I would say something. I know that she can't police the child or their parents when they are home or in their car, but when the child arrives to school, she can perhaps make sure that he wipes himself off and his hands really well before he comes in contact with your son. To me, I feel that the parent's message was a little snarky, as if to say, "we are not changing our eating habits for your kid". Regardless, I would atleast mention it to the teacher, so that she can be aware of the situation.
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  • 4girls+14girls+1
    Honestly, I think it would be going overboard by sending a note like that home. It could also backfire, parents do not like being told they are doing something wrong. There is a long history of non - food allergy parents purposely sending their child with nuts because they are mad at the food allergy mom.
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  • Bride-hildaBride-hilda member

    Definitely talk to the teacher about the severity. There's no harm in sending home a note about the severity of allergies, as long as the note is tastefully written.

    Some parents are going to be evil no matter what. But you can't not communicate in the chance that you'll offend a horrible person. 

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  • oneyedsallyoneyedsally

    People will not pay attention to food restrictions/allergies that aren't theirs. I have a severe peanut allergy and I constantly have to remind my coworkers and even my family members! All of these people have seen me have reactions too, yet they forget. Even if the teacher sends a note home, it will be disregarded or maybe they'll remember to keep the nuts away for a few days and then slip back into regular habits. Unfortunately the responsibility is not theirs, it's yours. I have learned to be super vigilant because you can't trust people to remember. 

    It sounds like you're already handling it the best way. Every topical reaction I've had has come from touching something that a person eating nuts touched without washing their hands. After they wash, it's fine.  If the kids are wiping/washing their hands when they come to school that's going to be the most effective protection.  And if the teacher knows the symptoms, she can keep an eye out for a telltale rash or eye swelling.

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