Very well put Jodie. I kinda thought everyone was making light of these allergies. If it were my child, I'd be camped on the school steps making sure he stayed away from whatever allergy. As far as all the questions as to why all of a sudden do kids have these allergies? I don't have an answer but I can guarantee you that these children would rather not have these allergies. I'm sure they would rather not make the other kids have to do without their homemade treats. I just don't think we should make these students and these parents feel guilty for looking out for their child's well being.

Diane

The letter I got from school just said to please send ham and cheese or turkey and cheese sandwiches if we are going to send a sack lunch. They just put "No peanut butter and jelly sandwiches please." My son doesn't like PB&J so I'm not going to inquire as to why the restriction; it just seemed odd to me until I read some more of the posts in this thread. They also state "Please do not bring food from the outside," which I take to mean fast food. That part they do explain. They say it is so other students don't feel bad.

Lori D.



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Thank you, Diane.

I agree that too many people are taking food allergies lightly. I think it's because they just don't understand. As I said before, if you haven't had first hand experience it's hard to realize how severe food allergies can be. I've grown up with food allergies (dairy, eggs, and fresh fruit and veggies), but never to the extent that my children have them. I can honestly say I didn't realize the severity until that day I drove my son to the ER. That's why I want people to listen to these stories and to educate themselves on the matter. People also need to realize that although you may not have an allergy NOW it doesn't mean you won't develop one down the road. The first time my son was tested, no peanut allergy...second time an allergy. (My daughter and youngest son were born with their allergy to peanuts). This fact alone is enough for people to get educated. Ignorance may be bliss, but when the lives of our children are at risk!!

On another note...for those of you who cannot send pb to school in your childs lunch and they love pb, you may want to try soy butter. They sell it at WalMart in the same aisle as pb. It tastes and looks like pb, but without the peanuts. It does have a soy aftertaste, but it might be a solution. My kids eat it.

I grew up in Australia where you went to school each day with your lunch box packed by your mother of sandwiches, fruit, juice etc. Now I live in Italy and I am lucky that both my children have a hot, freshly cooked meal made daily on the premises. My son is 3 and as is normal here, attends kindergarten from 9am - 4pm five days a weeks. I only pay for his lunches which is minimal. My daughter is 7, they both get pasta, followed my meat and veg, bread & fruit... every day. At my daughters primary school there are no rules on what we send in for snack time, and when they have family days at school, we are all encouraged tobring something made from home. My son's kindergarten though prefer pre-packaged items, but they said I can bring in cakes if I provide a list of all the ingredients... that is my loop-hole.

I also agree we are too germ obsessed... I am into children being children, playing outside, coming in dirty... we need to get our antibodies from somewhere.

I do not envy parents who have children with allergies... the fear that a parent could inadvertantly send food in without realising a serious allergy exists in the classroom brings chills to my spine.

As a former teacher, a parent who has spent a lot of time at school, and as the mother of a child about to student teach, I can tell you with confidence that the amount of local, state and federal legislation that public school teachers adds tremendous hours to a teacher's work load each week. I'm sure that the teacher lobby often gets things passed that they want, but it blows my mind how much more stuff teachers have to deal with now. The rules they have to follow, the paperwork they are required to fill out, the things they cannot do, that all is an enormous burden. There are lots of bad teachers out there (I had my share way back when), but teachers have a big burden, whether they are good or bad.

I have my own theories about all of these allergies and our immune systems. I used to sort of go with the "we are too clean" idea that even my kids doc mentioned to me when they were little, but then I realized that my house would never hold a candle to my moms or grandmothers and that I had pulled out of my daughter's mouth both a cricket and a frog, so I don't think my ultra-sanitary house had much to do with it. But I do wonder about the increased use of anti-biotics and chemical exposure.

I think this is a very important thread, because it does seem like people are getting a greater understanding about food allergies. I never would have understood how serious they are until I developed them myself. I have always had allergies: mold, ragweed, dust mites...all that jazz. Annoying and uncomfortable, but I pop antihistamines and decogestants and get on with my day.
Out of the blue, at age 45, I reacted to a bite of lobster when out to dinner. I broke out in hives, which covered my chest, my face and all over my head. I got hives inside my mouth. My tongue swelled and my throat closed. All that happened in a matter of minutes. Another customer in the restaurant used their Epi-pen on me and called an ambulance. If they hadn't been there, I would have died from eating dinner. Since then I've had one other anaphalactic shock reaction after walking by a booth at Sams where they were selling cooked shrimp and crab legs. According to my allergist, anyone can develop food allergies at any time, with no reason.
I absolutely agree that people have always had food allergies. Before the advent of adrenaline self injectors, they just died, plain and simple. It was probably blamed on choking. People also have access to a great many more foods now. Seventy five years ago no one in the Midwest would have ever tasted shellfish, because it couldn't be shipped here. Peanuts are usually grown in the South. If you didn't live there, you never would have been exposed to them.
I am so grateful that my kids don't have food allergies. I know what I've been through. I can't imagine worrying about my children like that on a daily basis!

I'm on the fence--would NOT want my kids exposed to a "bad" home baker's stuff--like someone said, maybe the cat licked the cupcakes and that is fine with them--some people let their animals eat cottage cheese from their own mouths(gross!!!! Dave Letterman show!). But I love baking and have always looked forward to being the room mommy and such. Our preschool, so far, allows homebaked stuff. There are a few of us sahm and the rest are workers which means they bring in prepackaged stuff. Our teachers did give the speech about not bringing in cupcakes with GOBS of icing--they are messy and kids really don't eat the stuff. I used to teach and that 4inches of icing was like glue to get off of the tables. And blue stains like crazy.

Also had a little boy allergic to pb and did not even know it--cropped up one day in class. Thank God his reaction was not REAL serious--screy for me more than him--he broke out in a mild case of hives. His parents were actually relieved this happened in a controlled situation.

There is a book called Jake Baked the Cake. Wonderful story. It is about a wedding cake, but my 2nd and 3rd graders LOVED it. Delightful story.

I think it must make it hard for those parents whose kids won't eat anything but PB&J. My DS starts preschool in 2 weeks and he is so picky. We always make him try stuff but he won't eat anything!! Except PB&J!! Okay well he is getting better! I too am just praising God that he doesn't have any severe allergies! I figure if they say no PB then he will just eat a little of something else and he will be a little hungry till 3. Sacrifice for others is a good lesson to learn. Even if you are only 4.5!

In South Florida we are only allowed to bring in sealed grocery store treats as well. Last year, when my daughter started kindergarten, I found out when her teacher would have her grade level meetings and I would send in treats for the teachers!!! It's just another way to be able to send stuff in. The teachers appreciate it more than the kids anyway, and if you have a business on the side, it is a great way for people to see and taste your stuff! As a former teacher myself, any junkie treat is welcomed at any time of the day! Last year I also sent in decorated christmas cookies to her teacher as well as all of the special teachers (ex. art,music, p.e., etc.) and I have to tell you, that they all know my daughter and are really nice to her!

indydebi - I don't really know how to respond to your comment.

You're kind of a rockstar on this site...and I'm still trying to find time to take Wilton II.

You seem to be very passionately anti-teacher's union. I find that an interesting opinion, but I respect it.

I, myself, am very passionate in the belief that EVERY child deserves the opportunity to a quality education. And I can say without a hint of insincerity that I truly believe that this is the cornerstone of democracy. I believe that if we, as a society, should invest more time, resources, and/or energy anywhere, it's in education.

But that's just my opinion, and I don't really think that this is exactly the right forum.

So back to cupcakes...I do believe that schools/teacher alot to deal with. Many of the things aren't within their control. I just ask that the readers of this forum consider that and don't take some of the rules personally.

As the mom of two very dedicated teachers, it's probably best for me to stay far, far away from this subject..But....

For our school districts it has nothing to do with being healthy foods, it's all a liability issue. They simply cannot afford to take the chance of being sued when they can't guarantee what is in the food or how it was prepared. Blame sue happy people for this rule, not the evil school system.

As for income, Oklahoma ranks 47th in teacher pay in the country. I have one daughter who is an elementary music teacher. That's her certification, nothing more.

You know what her job is?

She is the full time elementary music teacher k-5 with an average of 45 kids per class. This of course includes the fall musical, Christmas play and spring musical.

She is the choir teacher for middle school grades 6-8.

She is the high school choir director for 9-12

She teaches 1 class a day of music appreciation in middle school.

And this year they added one more job... the assistant band director.

Her campuses are not close together and she literally walks (or should I say runs) miles everyday between the 3 buildings. Due to the new assignment, she no longer has a planning period and gets 20 minutes for lunch (when she doesn't have lunch duty and then she eats her lunch on the playground).

Then she has before school band practice, after school band practice and then of course the Friday night football games and then 2 games every week during basketball.

After sports is over, they go into competition mode so it's Saturday band competitions and if they do well there will be overnight trips to other band competitions. Oh yeah, she also had to get her commercial license so that she could drive her vocal and band students to those competitions.

Know what she gets in bonuses for all those jobs outside of being the elementary music teacher? $2,500 per year.

So, when someone starts talking about all the money teachers make, I get a little irked.

She doesn't complain. This is the profession she chose and she loves. But the reality is she is horribly overworked and vastly underpaid.

I just wanted to jump into this discussion about developing allergies at any time of life.
At the age of 60 I developed allergies to many foods......beef, lamb, shellfish, walnuts, cashews, melons, green beans just to name a few.
Can anyone understand how hard it is to have to give up foods you grew up with and loved for sooooo long??
If you have never experienced or even seen anyone react adversely to any allergen you would be more tolerant of those laws.
I do agree that many of the allergies have developed because we have become much, much too concerned w/'cleanliness'. Do anyone use soap of any kind that is not 'antibacterial' anymore?

I personally would be thrilled if this policy were enforced in my dd's school. I'm sorry, but I see no need to have parties after parties where JUNK (even though it's yummy junk!!!) is served. My daughter also started kindergarten, but she attended two years of preschool. I was quite involved in the classroom, and could not believe the amount of treats that were brought in. You may think it is the occasional cupcake, but it's not. If you add up all of the regular classroom parties with the birthdays...that is a lot of sweets that are NOT needed!!!!! For my dd's preschool classroom parties, I was SHOCKED at the amount of cookies, brownies, cakes, etc that were brought in...for 3 and 4 year olds?! I started bringing healthier options...the best and most requested was homemade rainbow bread that was made into finger sandwiches. I just received dd's snack calendar for the month, and it states to bring in healthy snacks, but then lists carrot cake as an option to bring in!!! LOL!!!

Also, I don't think it's an issue of some "evil" person poisioning something...but you never know what kind of household homemade treats came from. How sanitary is the person, do they let their cats on their kitchen counters, did they store their ingredients properly? Some things aren't such no-brainers to some people.

We all love to be creative and show off our talents, but let's face it, our children get enough sugar without these treats!

I think the best point made in regards to the incredible increase in food allergies is that we have so much more access to foods that we would never have been exposed to in the past. That one actually made sense. I'm not buying the cleanliness issue. I just mentioned in the egg post that I'm by no means a supersanitizer. My mom was no supersanitizer. Our house was/is clean, but not scrubbed with antibacterial solutions from top to bottom on a daily basis. Yet my allergies keep collecting. Now I think I've consumed mango three times in my life. The third time I ate it I wound up in the ER. Dang expired Epipens!!!! Keep 'em fresh people! If I lived 50 years ago I probably never would have been exposed to mango. And yes, I actually look for soaps that are not anti-bacterial. Those supergerms are a multiplyin'. I don't take my kids to the doc unless I'm 99% sure they really truely need treatment b/c I don't want those unwarrented anti-biotics. Most of the time the heal themselves. That is, after all, what our bodies are designed to do. If we dont' let our bodies fight germs, perhaps that's why our bodies fight themselves and "create" allergies. I dunno. My brother, would say its all an illusion and that we manifest this reality by our own accord. He might be crazy...or is he.....BTW I'm a teacher in Michigan and don't even get me started on that topic.! I love ya' Debi, but come visit here. It ain't no picnic. Pay's good, though.

I'm just wondering, why this nuts allergy thing is worst the when I was little. I never meet anybody who has an allergy to nuts, and now it seems so many small kids has it. Also it seems to be more in North america and Canada. Here in Venezuela is not an issue, Not even at schools. Does anybody knows why?

Okay, I fogive you I'm anti-bad teacher, too. Work with a few. Not fun.

Our school has a nutritional policy too, and it is not very logical. The policy has already been printed on this thread. So now, I can not give my kids a little cupcake paper with candy corn and gummy worms after I read "Rosie's Walk" and I can't give them a homemade chocolate chip cookie after we read If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" etc. because of the sugar/fat content. Meanwhile if I forget my lunch I have to go hungry because I will not consume anything served in our school cafeteria because everything has preservatives and artificial ingredients which I have a problem with.
These policies are passed by boards of Educations. Teachers very seldom, in my personal experience, get what they want.

On another note, teachers salaries are always printed in our newspapers. They quote the average salary, but don't often remind the readers that teachers earning that average salary have a master's degree plus extra credits and have taught for 15-20 years. I have never seen these salaries compared to other township workers. Does anyone read what your local police officers,animal warden or town clerks make? (I am not saying they don't deserve their pay, their salaries are just not discussed by most of the public) And, yes, it is different in other areas when you compare teachers' salaries to the average resident's salary. Some of our parents receive more money as a holiday bonus than what I make in a year, and I am at the top of the salary guide.

We do still have a lot of fun in our classrooms without the cupcakes and other treats. Joy comes from being together, laughing and living and learning in our school room. After the above rant about salaries, I have to be honest and admit that when I leave school in the evenings I often can't believe that I get PAID to have that good a time!

Off the top of my head, I can't remember a cook book for kids, but a great book is "Arthur's Christmas Cookies" It is a story about a little chimp that makes cookies, but uses salt by mistake. I usually read the book and then have the kids make salt dough and then make ornaments. This is a good alternative to decorating cookies or cupcakes.

One more thought about allergies to nuts, I have been told that some researchers are looking at a particular mold that has effected some peanuts as the cause of people having reactions after eating them. I think in time we will find the reason for this change.

i hate carrots -UNLESS they are baked into a cake and smothered with cream cheese icing! i think cake is a food group. this might explain the size of my a$$

yeah, i know, valid concerns. i'm a teacher and our school has strict rules. i don't want to eat a cup cake made by nose-pickin' johnny either.

we actually had some nut ball in town putting needles into packages of meat at the grocery store a few years back.

there are valid health concerns. i still miss the good 'ole days though

Around christmas time, I offered to bake santa cupcakes for my grand childs class. My daughter told me that the school only allows pre packaged treats. Dont they realize that prepackage can be bad too?
Besides the fact, look at all the chemicals that are in prepackaged foods.
I have never heard of any child getting sick off of homemade goods, except a few whom had allergies

Speaking of teacher pay--not a whole hec of $$ in it-you gotta love what you are doing otherwise you'd be insulted by the pay.

12yrs ago I started off at $15,500 full time. And when I left a few years ago--wasn't getting much more. But I truly loooved teaching 2nd grade.

Would I return to teaching if I could(I have 3 under 5y)--probably not. Not because of the pay, but there is sooo much "stuff" you have to deal with that detracts from the joys of teaching.

And imagine76--I too miss the good ole days. When you scoured the Sunday paper for free candy bar coupons and they were actually FREE vs you have to buy 4 to get one 1/2 off--lol. Or the corner store coke machine spit out an extra coke for free and you did not have to wonder if someone jacked with the machine and was giving you something bad!

Now that everyone has gone to bed, except us California people, it is time to tell my story. To tell the punch line in the beginning......we have too many people. Probably not much we can do about that.
I am 66.....I went to country schools until I was in the 6th grade. At that time I moved to the city (Population 289). We knew not only everyone in the school, but all of the parents. We knew if they were dirty or clean, although I never knew of a dirty family. We played outside in the fresh air every day. We walked to school (1 1/2 miles for me) even in the first grade. We drank water from a water bucket, all using the same dipper. We all brought our own lunches, and we all traded foods. Never knew of any food allergies. We were happy, had a lot of fun, learned responsibility, completed our books from 1st page to last each school year. There was very little discipline the kids all knew how to behave themselves and did it. We respected our teacher and always called her, Mrs. Whatever. In high school we had 13 students in my class, including myself. There was 1 boy in the whole school who was diabetic. He always brought his own food and we never offered him ours. If there was going to be a party his mother always sent treats with him which he could have. He knew he had to follow his diet and did so. When my children were in school they still had small classrooms, and we still knew everyone. I never knew of a family where I would not want to eat their food. We had Church potlucks all the time and community gatherings. Sixteen years ago I took on raising my grandson. Things were real different for him, here in California. His class rooms were overcrowded. We didn't know the families, teachers were not allowed to discipline the students and most of the parents didn't. Kids bullied and used bad language. There was no respect for authority. Everyone (well not everyone) had ADD and were on medication. Teachers taught what it would take for them to pass the state tests and that was all. There was so much homework sent home every night the kids had no time for playing outside. Our life was a wreck for 6 years......then I decided to do home schooling. I did it with a program through the school. My grandson went from making C's and D's to A's. He was fed healthy meals, which I prepared, without using preservatives. We have cake or cookies in our house all the time. He rides BMX and is now 5' 11" and weighs 160 lbs. He has never been to a doctor and never takes medication. We use hot tea, homemade chicken soup and ginger. He has street smarts and common sense. If I had a child who could not even be touched by someone who had peanut butter, I am sure I would not send them to public school.
Anyhow, my grandson has lots of friends, they all beg me to home school them also.
.......and finally the punch line....The public schools are too overcrowded....that is why we have to have all of these rules.

BC Jean-You go! I loved reading your post.