I am quite the frequent on allergy blogs and websites, and I always find a common subject in them is the debate about whether or not peanuts should be banned in schools. So, seeing as the topic is unavoidable, I figured I would weigh in on it.
So essentially the two sides are this: Some people say that peanut butter should be banned because it is unsafe for kids with allergies. Others say that the just can’t give up peanut butter for school because that is the only thing they will eat. Honestly, I think both sides are kind of ridiculous, especially the second one.
First, I don’t think peanut butter should be banned in schools. If people love peanut butter so much that they can’t wait eight hours until after school to eat something with nuts, who am I to deny them something they love that much. Besides, it just isn’t realistic to ban nuts in a school. Schools have hundreds of children, each of them bringing snacks, lunches, etc. It just isn’t realistic to be able to prevent all of those children from bringing nuts, because there are just so many products with nuts out there, and there are so many people to keep track of.
Second, come on. People die from food allergies. Do you really want to risk someone’s life for a stupid sandwich, or candy bar, or something? If the answer is yes, then by all means go for it. But seriously? Are foods with nuts really the only foods you can eat? I get by just fine without nuts. I don’t know, it just seems weird. It’s like giving a child something that could potentially kill someone because it is convenient, or because they like it. I just don’t get it, but I don’t get the other side of the argument either.
I suppose if I were to pick a side, I would go for something in between. Like I said, if you really want nuts that much, go for it, but eat it responsibly. Don’t eat it near someone you know has an allergy. Wash your hands afterwards. DON’T THROW YOUR PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH ACROSS THE TABLE BECAUSE YOU DON”T WANT IT (yes that has happened to me before). That’s all. Eat it, but watch out for your allergy friends.
Until next time!
Gary
My seven year old is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, sunflower, and sesame. Ironically the thing he has the mildest reaction to is peanuts. So unless schools plan on banning milk and yogurt and cheese and sunbutter and birthday cake, I am indifferent to the peanut ban. I am more interested in people learning kindness and responsibility. Then everyone can be safe.
You just hit the nail on the head Laura! That’s exactly how I feel! An allergy food ban just isn’t realistic, but more responsibility is, and I feel like the more that people know about what it’s like to have an allergy, the more responsible they will be.
Hi Gary-
My husband was VERY ALLERGIC to any kind of Dairy-it was difficult cooking without butter, cheese, milk etc.
But going out to eat was even worse!
I don’t think a ban is right; just my opinion.
My husband was responsible for asking what was in his food. We went to restaurants that we knew he could safely go to. He mostly ate”whole foods”
My husband Jim would get sick eating those foods, but your allergy is far worse than his…
You seem like a really smart and with it kid-all my best to you-I am enjoying your site.
Margaret Krass
p.s. I am long-time camping friends of your grandparents-Gary & Gayle…