Please don’t let your children eat common allergens while playing on public playground equipment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. You have to learn to be ruthless. As you can see, these people don’t care about your kid. They don’t care or she lives or dies. They only care about their child and their comfort.

So what do I do? Grab the snack and throw it out. I don’t care if I make an enemy out of every parent and nanny in the park. You will have to learn to aggressively put your child first because everyone around them won’t ever.

Let them be angry. My child’s right to life is more important than your kids snack.

That’s assault against a child. Hope you have a lot of money for legal bills.

“Grabbing a snack” is not “assault against a child.” How asinine. And you’re the people claiming OP is dramatic.

If someone grabbed a snack out of my kid's hands, it would not end well for them, at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a NP. I see both sides of this. Parents should be mindful that other kids and wipe their children’s hands of snot, peanut butter, whatever and should try not to bring that to the playground. But, kids are kids. They are going to have gross hands. And a parent of a child with allergies or who is immunocrompeomised or whatever needs to approach the world like it is always going to be contaminated. There’s no in between

That...is exactly what the OP is already doing, PP.

She's frustrated with the fact she sees kids eating ON equipment while playing. One way to approach the world, as a person with a serious vulnerability, is to ask others, who are less vulnerable, to have some common courtesy and consideration for those unlike them, so that the vulnerable can get some use out of public spaces intended for everyone.

I don't think you really understand serious allergies if you think this is a good idea and asking this automatically makes public spaces safe. You are very naive.

Yes, I understand serious allergies. Sorry if it wasn't clear but at the end there I am talking about a much bigger picture than just allergens on the playground. It's why I said vulnerabilites, not allergies.

The post never said or impliled that "this will make public spaces safe."

Nothing is perfectly safe.

But the people who are not vulnerable--to allergies, to viruses, to whatever-- can at least attempt to alter behaviors that cost them little or nothing to alter temporarily, in the name of care for others, including strangers. No, it won't magically eliminate every danger. But it might make those who are less vulnerable into better people who at least consider others. Many, many parents on this thread could not care less about teaching their kids to consider others as they move through the world.

NP, but you're entirely ignoring the posts from other people, including the mother who has a child with ARFID who very carefully explained how, while being quite aware of allergens, she may still make a mistake. To act like all people are selfish creatures raising little jerks is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a death sentence for my NK. There is already so much she has to miss out on in life due to a severe anaphylactic allergy to peanuts.

I’m not saying your kid can’t go to the park and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a picnic. Wash their hands, etc. But having your kid run around on the equipment with a bag of Bamba’s leaving peanut oil residue on every surface means we can no longer play.

And I do understand we live in a “I, me and mine” society where it’s ok if not encouraged to get yours and do what you want because how your actions effect others isn’t your problem. I understand. I’m sad, that’s not how I’m raising my kids but I get that’s a key American value especially in dog eat dog D.C. but can we just try to have a little concern for others?

You’re the one who doesn’t care that some kids are severely sensitive eaters and that peanut foods might be all they’ll eat.

Nope, you don't get to act like you care about "severely sensitive eaters". I have a child with ARFID and know several families with children with ARFID. It's an incredibly, kind, supportive community that is very sensitive to food allergies because it's entirely possible to have ARFID and food allergies.

Also, as this thread exemplifies, parents of kids without disabilities can be such selfish idiots. In my experience, parents of kids with disabilities can be much more open minded and caring about the challenges others are facing.

So much ugliness in this thread. What ugly hearts some of you have.

+1. Some of the ugliest collection of parents that I've ever seen.

Ok, keyboard preacher. You sit there and judge other people all you want, but I highly doubt you exercise a level of vigilance regarding peanut products that OP would find acceptable. Some people are just being more realistic than others. But it's easy to type whatever you want. Doing it is another thing.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for not reading all 14 pages. I have a kid with problems that make it hard for him to fit into the world as it is, so I empathize with OP. I have always followed the mantra that it is the child who must find a way to fit into the world, not the world that must bend to fit the child.

OP, starting a thread on an anonymous message board does not help your child survive in the world. Forget the flame war here and figure out how to survive under the assumption that food allergens are and will be everywhere. Also find a doctor who is up to date on some of the newer exposure therapies. Some people have managed to cure themselves of deadly reactions and can have non-fatal reactions to things that once might have killed them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP. You have to learn to be ruthless. As you can see, these people don’t care about your kid. They don’t care or she lives or dies. They only care about their child and their comfort.

So what do I do? Grab the snack and throw it out. I don’t care if I make an enemy out of every parent and nanny in the park. You will have to learn to aggressively put your child first because everyone around them won’t ever.

Let them be angry. My child’s right to life is more important than your kids snack.

This has nothing to do with your child’s right to life. It has to do with your child’s “right” to a completely peanut free playground for your convenience. That is not an actual “right.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a death sentence for my NK. There is already so much she has to miss out on in life due to a severe anaphylactic allergy to peanuts.

I’m not saying your kid can’t go to the park and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a picnic. Wash their hands, etc. But having your kid run around on the equipment with a bag of Bamba’s leaving peanut oil residue on every surface means we can no longer play.

And I do understand we live in a “I, me and mine” society where it’s ok if not encouraged to get yours and do what you want because how your actions effect others isn’t your problem. I understand. I’m sad, that’s not how I’m raising my kids but I get that’s a key American value especially in dog eat dog D.C. but can we just try to have a little concern for others?

You’re the one who doesn’t care that some kids are severely sensitive eaters and that peanut foods might be all they’ll eat.

Nope, you don't get to act like you care about "severely sensitive eaters". I have a child with ARFID and know several families with children with ARFID. It's an incredibly, kind, supportive community that is very sensitive to food allergies because it's entirely possible to have ARFID and food allergies.

Also, as this thread exemplifies, parents of kids without disabilities can be such selfish idiots. In my experience, parents of kids with disabilities can be much more open minded and caring about the challenges others are facing.

So much ugliness in this thread. What ugly hearts some of you have.

+1. Some of the ugliest collection of parents that I've ever seen.

Ok, keyboard preacher. You sit there and judge other people all you want, but I highly doubt you exercise a level of vigilance regarding peanut products that OP would find acceptable. Some people are just being more realistic than others. But it's easy to type whatever you want. Doing it is another thing.

This is so unbelievable true! The women in the DMV are so angry, like all. the. time. What is in the water there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. You have to learn to be ruthless. As you can see, these people don’t care about your kid. They don’t care or she lives or dies. They only care about their child and their comfort.

So what do I do? Grab the snack and throw it out. I don’t care if I make an enemy out of every parent and nanny in the park. You will have to learn to aggressively put your child first because everyone around them won’t ever.

Let them be angry. My child’s right to life is more important than your kids snack.

This has nothing to do with your child’s right to life. It has to do with your child’s “right” to a completely peanut free playground for your convenience. That is not an actual “right.”

It's incredibly entitled to demand other people stop a totally lawful activity to protect your kids. Kids have every right to eat peanut butter sandwiches on the park swing. Expecting the world to conform itself to you is the epitome of selfish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a death sentence for my NK. There is already so much she has to miss out on in life due to a severe anaphylactic allergy to peanuts.

I’m not saying your kid can’t go to the park and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a picnic. Wash their hands, etc. But having your kid run around on the equipment with a bag of Bamba’s leaving peanut oil residue on every surface means we can no longer play.

And I do understand we live in a “I, me and mine” society where it’s ok if not encouraged to get yours and do what you want because how your actions effect others isn’t your problem. I understand. I’m sad, that’s not how I’m raising my kids but I get that’s a key American value especially in dog eat dog D.C. but can we just try to have a little concern for others?

You’re the one who doesn’t care that some kids are severely sensitive eaters and that peanut foods might be all they’ll eat.

Nope, you don't get to act like you care about "severely sensitive eaters". I have a child with ARFID and know several families with children with ARFID. It's an incredibly, kind, supportive community that is very sensitive to food allergies because it's entirely possible to have ARFID and food allergies.

Also, as this thread exemplifies, parents of kids without disabilities can be such selfish idiots. In my experience, parents of kids with disabilities can be much more open minded and caring about the challenges others are facing.

So much ugliness in this thread. What ugly hearts some of you have.

+1. Some of the ugliest collection of parents that I've ever seen.

Ok, keyboard preacher. You sit there and judge other people all you want, but I highly doubt you exercise a level of vigilance regarding peanut products that OP would find acceptable. Some people are just being more realistic than others. But it's easy to type whatever you want. Doing it is another thing.

This is so unbelievable true! The women in the DMV are so angry, like all. the. time. What is in the water there?

They are frustrated mules

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you all keep dissing kids who are eating at the park? DH works late one night a week, so my kids and I have a tradition of packing sandwiches (yes often PBJ) and eating dinner at the playground. I see lots of kids eating lunches and dinners there.

So eat your sandwich at home, wash your hands and go to the park. A “tradition?” GTFOH.

No thanks. You do you. I'll eat my sandwich at the playground picnic table.

OP didn’t have a problem with that, just asked for hands to be washed.

DP. Most playgrounds I go to with my kids don’t have proper hand washing facilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a death sentence for my NK. There is already so much she has to miss out on in life due to a severe anaphylactic allergy to peanuts.

I’m not saying your kid can’t go to the park and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a picnic. Wash their hands, etc. But having your kid run around on the equipment with a bag of Bamba’s leaving peanut oil residue on every surface means we can no longer play.

And I do understand we live in a “I, me and mine” society where it’s ok if not encouraged to get yours and do what you want because how your actions effect others isn’t your problem. I understand. I’m sad, that’s not how I’m raising my kids but I get that’s a key American value especially in dog eat dog D.C. but can we just try to have a little concern for others?

You’re the one who doesn’t care that some kids are severely sensitive eaters and that peanut foods might be all they’ll eat.

Nope, you don't get to act like you care about "severely sensitive eaters". I have a child with ARFID and know several families with children with ARFID. It's an incredibly, kind, supportive community that is very sensitive to food allergies because it's entirely possible to have ARFID and food allergies.

Also, as this thread exemplifies, parents of kids without disabilities can be such selfish idiots. In my experience, parents of kids with disabilities can be much more open minded and caring about the challenges others are facing.

So much ugliness in this thread. What ugly hearts some of you have.

+1. Some of the ugliest collection of parents that I've ever seen.

+2 I'm a parent of 4, none of which have food allergies, and they all LOVE peanut butter. But I have so much empathy for a parent that has to live with this fear that I would gladly give up my children having peanut butter. And although I know there are other disabilities or illnesses that are severe, I can't imagine having one like this where you never know what your child will touch that will induce a reaction. So I would also feel like I would want to ask that others help me. But seeing these responses only reinforces the fact that she cannot ever depend on others to help.

You people seem to lack common sense or reading comprehension skills. It's quite stunning actually. And no, I didn't post anything before you did, so I haven't participated in this argument you're responding to.

You do realize that you said you have so much empathy for parents living with the fear of peanut allergies that you would gladly give up your children having peanut butter. So you have, since typing that, thrown it all out, correct? You have removed any food, not just peanut butter, than contains traces of nuts from your house? And informed all your family members that they are no longer allowed to purchase, consume, or even touch those products, yes? Because if not, you're just a hypocrite.

[Anonymous]

I don't get the obsession with snacks at the playground; can't kids live without having snacks around 24-7? Plus, the playground years are so fleeting, not worth freaking out about the concept of eating at home for those years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a death sentence for my NK. There is already so much she has to miss out on in life due to a severe anaphylactic allergy to peanuts.

I’m not saying your kid can’t go to the park and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a picnic. Wash their hands, etc. But having your kid run around on the equipment with a bag of Bamba’s leaving peanut oil residue on every surface means we can no longer play.

And I do understand we live in a “I, me and mine” society where it’s ok if not encouraged to get yours and do what you want because how your actions effect others isn’t your problem. I understand. I’m sad, that’s not how I’m raising my kids but I get that’s a key American value especially in dog eat dog D.C. but can we just try to have a little concern for others?

You’re the one who doesn’t care that some kids are severely sensitive eaters and that peanut foods might be all they’ll eat.

Nope, you don't get to act like you care about "severely sensitive eaters". I have a child with ARFID and know several families with children with ARFID. It's an incredibly, kind, supportive community that is very sensitive to food allergies because it's entirely possible to have ARFID and food allergies.

Also, as this thread exemplifies, parents of kids without disabilities can be such selfish idiots. In my experience, parents of kids with disabilities can be much more open minded and caring about the challenges others are facing.

So much ugliness in this thread. What ugly hearts some of you have.

+1. Some of the ugliest collection of parents that I've ever seen.

+2 I'm a parent of 4, none of which have food allergies, and they all LOVE peanut butter. But I have so much empathy for a parent that has to live with this fear that I would gladly give up my children having peanut butter. And although I know there are other disabilities or illnesses that are severe, I can't imagine having one like this where you never know what your child will touch that will induce a reaction. So I would also feel like I would want to ask that others help me. But seeing these responses only reinforces the fact that she cannot ever depend on others to help.

You people seem to lack common sense or reading comprehension skills. It's quite stunning actually. And no, I didn't post anything before you did, so I haven't participated in this argument you're responding to.

You do realize that you said you have so much empathy for parents living with the fear of peanut allergies that you would gladly give up your children having peanut butter. So you have, since typing that, thrown it all out, correct? You have removed any food, not just peanut butter, than contains traces of nuts from your house? And informed all your family members that they are no longer allowed to purchase, consume, or even touch those products, yes? Because if not, you're just a hypocrite.

DP Not just nuts but the subject is "common allergens" so that list ought to include dairy, soy, wheat, sesame, tree nuts, and on and on. Has PP removed all these common allergens from her home and instructed her family to never touch them again, just in case?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s such a small and easy thing to not eat common allergens in shared spaces. The “don’t tell me what to eat” people sound like entitled 4 year old brats. Do you think OP *likes* having to think about what everyone around her kid is eating?

There are 9 top allergens. NINE.
EGGS
MILK
PEANUTS
SHELLFISH
FISH
SOY
TREE NUTS
WHEAT
SESAME

So eliminate all of those foods for schools and playgrounds.

[Anonymous]

I try to be accommodating and respectful but OP I think you can’t ever expect a playground not to have contact with peanut butter hands. In your neighborhood playground you could try putting up signs and that would help, but you still couldn’t count on it.

As for school, I would think parents would be willing to be peanut free at school. That’s how our preschool works - when an allergy joins the class, we all cut that food for school.

But at the playground instead of being mad at people for not following rules that don’t exist you’ll have to find another strategy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't get the obsession with snacks at the playground; can't kids live without having snacks around 24-7? Plus, the playground years are so fleeting, not worth freaking out about the concept of eating at home for those years.

Most kids at playgrounds aren’t eating snacks. When my kids were that age, we most commonly ate at parks when we met friends there directly after preschool pick-up, so it was either lunch after a noon pick-up or a mid-afternoon snack after a 2pm pick-up to tide them over from lunch to dinner.