Peanut Free Classroom

It all began the Saturday before school started, when Ellie's preschool teacher called to tell me that all the parents except one were okay with making the classroom "peanut-free." This particular parent couldn't comprehend why her child couldn't have a PB&J, just because one kid is allergic. The mom said, "I make all my kids PB&J's - it is easier and cheaper. Can't she just sit at another table." and "Since she is younger, can't she just leave before lunch?" I told Mrs. Shawna that if it was an economic issue, I would be more than happy to provide this child with a lunch so that Ellie can be in a safer environment. I also decided that I was going to try and help educate all the preschool parents so they might be able to understand more fully why I was doing what I was doing to create a peanut-free school. I put together packets for all the parents on what a peanut allergy is, how it can be fatal, what is and isn't safe, etc. According to Mrs Shawna, it really scared the parents, especially the previously resistant one, who apologized for making a fuss and not being more cooperative. All I wanted to do was point out that if it were their child who had a life-threatening condition, what would they do? Thankfully for us (not so much for him), Ellie's teacher's husband just found out he is allergic to peanuts and they were willing to do what needed to be done to keep Elle safe. He told Mrs. Shawna, "It is a blessing that you have this little girl in your class because now you can understand what this allergy is and how bad it can be." I couldn't ask for a better place for Elle to be in school.

On Tuesday we showed up for Ellie's first day of school in a "Peanut-Free Classroom." Ellie has such a different personality than Ryleigh. She seriously didn't even care that Chris and I were there for her first day. She walked right into the classroom, sat down and started on the project in front of her, acting as if she had been there a thousand times before. Thursday, when I dropped her off for her second day, she never even looked back. Her independence never ceases to amaze us.