When did Valentine’s Day become about candy and stuff? And by the way, what is Valentine’s Day? For food allergy parents, it has become another feared holiday.
It is a time of the year where we encourage the elimination of candy from the classroom, a time of the year when we remind fellow parents that candy is not safe for our children with food allergies. It is a holiday that can be even more potentially life threatening than an average day to our food allergy school children. We implore other parents, their teachers, school personnel, and our kids not to eat anything without permission from a designated adult. And we pray that our children follow our instructions and that the responsible personnel will follow procedures and not make a mistake.
In recent months we have learned of the death of Katelyn, a seventh grader who ate food during a classroom party, and had an anaphylactic reaction. We were also saddened to learn about Ammaria Johnson, a beautiful seven year old who died at a Chesterfield County School after a fellow classmate gave her a peanut on the playground. These incidents only heighten our fear. We redirect this fear to education. Education is the key to our children’s safety. We review food allergy action plans and hope that the plan is followed, if by chance our children are exposed.
I am opposed to candy exchanges at school not only because it’s a potential ‘loaded gun’ for my child but I can’t grasp the concept of artificial colors, processed food, and an over abundance of sugar as productive in the classroom. And have you noticed the obesity rate in the United States lately or noticed that shows like The Biggest Loser are prime time hits. We are a society that continues to make holidays materialistic and turn them into competitions about who can give the biggest and best party or valentine. I am still trying to keep it simple. My kid was super excited to receive a valentine that turned into a football game and I was encouraged that he received a valentine that included a week of karate at no charge. I admit it’s great marketing. I love the fact that it didn’t include candy but included love and encouraged a healthy activity.
As I logged onto Facebook last night I noticed several posts from other parents that intercepted ‘loaded guns’ also known as unsafe valentine candy. And this morning I read about a Prince George County 5th grader who reportedly bit into a piece of candy during his school lunch and realized that it had peanuts in it. I am so grateful to read that this student was able to run to the school nurse who immediately contacted his parent. Reports say that when the school nurse realized that the reaction was escalating, she administered epinephrine. The boy was later taken to the hospital and released to his family.
I am happy to write that we survived another Valentine’s Day at school with no reactions. Hooray!
To learn more about keeping your kid safe during parties read Allergy Moms, Gina Clowes ABC's!
Allergy Moms ABC’s for a Safe Valentine’s Day Party by Gina Clowes
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