I opened my blogger site today and was shocked to see how long it had been since I last posted. Then I look at the six, yes SIX articles sitting in my draft folder and think, oh there's the problem. If you know me, you know that I am a little busy :) Three busy, crazy boys and a very busy husband will do that to you! Below is a post that I had started not long ago about an issue that I never would have imagined would be a real issue, unfortunately it is....I will do better to keep the updates coming! Or I will try ;)
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| Bryce and cousin Payton |
I recently read an article on 'food bullying,' and found it quite interesting. We have fortunately never had an issue with this and hope that we never do. However, it did make me think about how we are educating, not just Bryce, but all of our children on the seriousness of food allergies and their consequences. I believe that our children have simply learned over time how to deal with these issues. We do occasionally have to say, 'We haven't had this before but Bryce cannot have it, so please wash your hands when you're done.' But, we never really sit down and have a talk about it.
After reading this article, I decided maybe we should. Maybe all parents should. It is second nature to me to be asked by the other children in our lives whether or not Bryce can eat something, if he can be around it. For most this is not the case, yet when you ask someone if their child has any allergies they may say no, but then they remember 'But, my sisters/cousins/friends daughter does!' The number of children being affected by life threatening allergies is staggering and continues to grow. It is so simple for a child to share their food, not wash their hands, any number of things that would allow the allergen to reach your child. They now have classrooms that are peanut free, assigned seats in the cafeteria, and other such rules to protect the children with allergies. On top of this we should be teaching our kids why they are doing these things, what could happen if there was contact.
I began to read the comments on the article. My thinking behind this was that I might find some fun and creative ideas for awareness that i could share with everyone. However, I was SHOCKED to see the number of negative posts. People asking, why should I have to send something else with my child for lunch simply to accommodate yours? Peanut butter is cheap and easy, your child should just sit by themselves. This was deeply upsetting and surprising to me. I left the article feeling extremely angry and frustrated, and even more encouraged to teach my children and those around me to be supportive and accepting of other people's needs!
So I ask you all to be the kind, educated parent and pass it along to your children. Take the time to gain knowledge and be helpful and supportive to those around you! To start you off....I have included a couple of links below to some very helpful and informative websites for allergy awareness, enjoy!
-http://www.foodallergy.org/section/education
-http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcesnew.php
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