Organic Food? Sort of Vent

[booroo]

yes, egg is harder, but if a daycare provider doesn't know anything on egg and peanut allergies, or milk allergies, it can be very difficult for them!! Most people don't know to look at every single label of every food, to see if has eggs or made on peanut lines, etc....... Many would just think of a peanut allergy, no nuts!!!

Well a little education goes a long way in this situation. And really whats there to know. Its deadly in some cases therefore there is no need to use. Most partents of a child that has a food allergy is willling to educate any person willing to take the time to find out more about the situation. I finally yesterday had 1 mom call and ask if she could help lessen the burden and offered to take turns with snacks at church, I gave her the websites that I shop from and she is going to purchase some of the stuff and make treats as well; ones that my daughter can have. Now that is a mom willing to be educated. Plus most members of our church, now know that she cant have dairy, they have purchased special treats for there house just for her for when we come over. This all took place within the last couple of days, this one mom started it all.

This is no different then if the child was a diabetic, my 12 year son has 2 friends with it, I have purchased special treats for them to keep over here, I always make sure they check there levels before meals. I have a chart for both so that we can count carbs. I have educated my self with diabetis since these children have come into our family.

[jen]

I would give the family a sample menu and let them know that you do supply a healthy, well balanced meal plan. Aside from that, if they would like their child to eat exclusively or almost exclusively organic that they need to either supply meals or find alternative care. I wouldn not give them a discount for supplying their own food.

As for the allergy scenario, it really isn't the same thing as it is a medical issue as opposed to a personal life style choice. That said, I don't take kids with major food allergies. As in, if they get a rash from a strawberry, no biggie...if they are going to have a lethal reaction to a food, I feel that the liability is just too great...

[Persephone]

I would give the family a sample menu and let them know that you do supply a healthy, well balanced meal plan. Aside from that, if they would like their child to eat exclusively or almost exclusively organic that they need to either supply meals or find alternative care. I wouldn not give them a discount for supplying their own food.

As for the allergy scenario, it really isn't the same thing as it is a medical issue as opposed to a personal life style choice. That said, I don't take kids with major food allergies. As in, if they get a rash from a strawberry, no biggie...if they are going to have a lethal reaction to a food, I feel that the liability is just too great...

Getting a rash from a strawberry is an allergy to it. Just because it's just a rash this time doesn't mean the next time it will be "just" a rash. It could be that lethal reaction.

[Carole's Daycare]

So I have a question for those of you would make the "allergy" family prove their own food. Do you give them a price break then since you are not paying for their food?

I don't give them a price break, because I still provide the work/prep/cleanup, and some foods like fruits and veges. Really its just the processed things that may have been exposed to an allergen- for my dc family its peanut and sunflower/safflower oil- which most pre-packaged convenience foods have exposure to. If I'm cooking "real" meat and serving fresh, canned or frozen veges and fruits- that's all safe and I serve all families the same. My menu is planned in advance, so I * the days I'm concerned and mom sends her own substitute for the questionable food.

As for your all organic family that now eats 2 meals and a snack practically for free at your house- you need to tell them you can't afford it- write down in the form of a notice that on such & such date they must provide milk and organic food and snacks for their child(ren) as you simply cannot afford it and still provide quality crafts and activities, which hinders the type of care you want to provide to ALL the kids in care, including hers. A compromise might be ensuring you wash produce in FIT or Dr. Bronners- a pesticide removing produce wash- (although its not as effective for soft skinned fruits like peaches, or grapes- its pretty effective for things like apples, mangoes, cucumbers, watermelon etc. I do that anyway. I'm surprised she hasn't had issue with the household chemicals you use- Many of the more miltant organic proponents, as well as people concerned with increases in childhood cancers and various developmental problems blame household cleaners etc and use organic products like Melaleuca or Dr. Bronners.

[booroo]

As for the allergy scenario, it really isn't the same thing as it is a medical issue as opposed to a personal life style choice. That said, I don't take kids with major food allergies. As in, if they get a rash from a strawberry, no biggie...if they are going to have a lethal reaction to a food, I feel that the liability is just too great...

This is were education about allergies and reaction come into play. That reaction right there is the start of a big one, you never know when that might be. My now 2 year old was stung by a bee, he welted and rashed up, did this 4 times after being stung. The next time was a rush to the ER 2 days in the hospital one day spent in the PICU. That is the thing about allergies, you never know when the body says enough is enough.

[Carole's Daycare]

My son's best friend (and his entire family) suffer from multiple allergies. My son's friend gets allergy shots and carries an epi-pen, as does his 1st grade sister. The baby that I watch regularly also has an epi-pen and is hugely allergic to peanuts, sunflowers, milk, eggs as well as regular nasal allergies. Thankfully not allergic at all to strawberries. But ABSOLUTELY never underestimate the possible severity of an allergic reaction. A small rash one day, a bigger rash the next time could well be followed momentarily by anaphylactic reaction. I was very nervous the first few times I watched her, but felt obligated because this mom transports my son to after school activities etc and is so important in our life- without her my son would never have had swim lessons or many other opportunities because I just cant transport him. As time has progressed I've become much more knowledgeable about what foods she can have and have a more effective plan for serving meals that keeps her food isolated/separate. Also my familes know which days she'll be here, so the moms don't send kids with peanut butter toast faces & hands- I'm still nervous, but I know what to do to keep her safe and what to do in an emergency. It's actually been a great opportunity for the kids to show empathy and concern for their friend- making sure they put on a clean shirt before daycare w/no food debris from breakfast- washing their hands carefully before handling shared toys etc.

[booroo]

My sons best friend (and his entire family) suffer from multiple allergies. My son's friend gets allergy shots and carries an epi-pen, as does his 1st grade sister. The baby that I watch regularly also has an epi-pen and is hugely allergic to peanuts, sunflowers, milk, eggs as well as regular nasal allergies. Thankfully not allergic at all to strawberries. But ABSOLUTELY never underestimate the possible severity of an allergic reaction. A small rash one day, a bigger rash the next time could well be followed momentarily by anaphylactic reaction. I was very nervous the first few times I watched her, but felt obligated because this mom transports my son to after school activities etc and is so important in our life- without her my son would never have had swim lessons or many other opportunities because I just cant transport him. As time has progressed I've become much more knowledgeable about what foods she can have and have a more effective plan for serving meals that keeps her food isolated/separate. Also my familes know which days she'll be here, so the moms don't send kids with peanut butter toast faces & hands- I'm still nervous, but I know what to do to keep her safe and what to do in an emergency. It's actually been a great opportunity for the kids to show empathy and concern for their friend- making sure they put on a clean shirt before daycare w/no food debris from breakfast- washing their hands carefully before handling shared toys etc.

Thank you for this post. What blessing you must be for this mom. I was a neverous wreck the whole time my daughter spent in daycare, the many reason why I gave up my high paying job, I just couldnt deal with it anymore, the daycare woman never got it, and I cant tell you how many times, I was called because she was being rush to the ER because they feed her something with milk in it.

Again Carloe is right once you educate your self, it not that hard to deal with.

[jen]

This is were education about allergies and reaction come into play. That reaction right there is the start of a big one, you never know when that might be. My now 2 year old was stung by a bee, he welted and rashed up, did this 4 times after being stung. The next time was a rush to the ER 2 days in the hospital one day spent in the PICU. That is the thing about allergies, you never know when the body says enough is enough.

Well, the only thing I can tell you is this...my daughter got a rash around her mouth when she would eat strawberries. The pedi said not to worry about it, she would more than likely outgrow it. He also said we should "just give her a strawberry from time to time and check it out." He was right, she outgrew it and it was never more than a very mild redness around her mouth.

That said...I wouldn't give a daycare child a stawberry if I knew that she was allergic to it...however, if one came in contact with his/her food I would not be in a huge panic about it either. If a child has a known allergy that is definitely going to require a trip to the ER by ambulance, than I am not going to put myself at risk. It just isn't worth it to me.

[momma2girls]

Well, the only thing I can tell you is this...my daughter got a rash around her mouth when she would eat strawberries. The pedi said not to worry about it, she would more than likely outgrow it. He also said we should "just give her a strawberry from time to time and check it out." He was right, she outgrew it and it was never more than a very mild redness around her mouth.

That said...I wouldn't give a daycare child a stawberry if I knew that she was allergic to it...however, if one came in contact with his/her food I would not be in a huge panic about it either. If a child has a known allergy that is definitely going to require a trip to the ER by ambulance, than I am not going to put myself at risk. It just isn't worth it to me.

I had a child in my daycare last summer with a milk allergy. The mother asked if she could bring in snacks and her dinner with her. I said sure! It was never an issue with her at all. I was scared at first, but I got used to it. The only thing was if she got milk spilled on her at the dinner table, if she just touched it, etc. she would need her epi pen immediately. She was severely allergic to milk!!! The Mom never asked me if I would ever go down on her rates, just because she is not eating here.

[Persephone]

Well, the only thing I can tell you is this...my daughter got a rash around her mouth when she would eat strawberries. The pedi said not to worry about it, she would more than likely outgrow it. He also said we should "just give her a strawberry from time to time and check it out." He was right, she outgrew it and it was never more than a very mild redness around her mouth.

That said...I wouldn't give a daycare child a stawberry if I knew that she was allergic to it...however, if one came in contact with his/her food I would not be in a huge panic about it either. If a child has a known allergy that is definitely going to require a trip to the ER by ambulance, than I am not going to put myself at risk. It just isn't worth it to me.

I think your pedi was crazy to tell you that. It could have been bad!

But the best way to avoid a trip to ER is to educate yourself about allergies and read labels.

I have a Epi-pen for my son but I plan to never have to use it because I just read labels like crazy. If we go out to a restaurant we either take a trip to McDonalds first, since they are safe or I call ahead and talk to a manager about their food.

[booroo]

I think your pedi was crazy to tell you that. It could have been bad!

But the best way to avoid a trip to ER is to educate yourself about allergies and read labels.

I have a Epi-pen for my son but I plan to never have to use it because I just read labels like crazy. If we go out to a restaurant we either take a trip to McDonalds first, since they are safe or I call ahead and talk to a manager about their food.

I agree. we carry 2 epis one for the daughter that is allergic to milk, and for my son that is allergic to bees.

[TGT09]

Do you know as a provider if I can get an epi-pen to keep on hand?? I don't have any allergies and none of my kids have any "known" allergies. Most of the kids have had almost everything. Would this be a silly thought? My cousin is allergic to peanuts so I understand it a little but need to be a little more educated. I always make him a dessert when our family get together that doesn't have nuts.

[Persephone]

Do you know as a provider if I can get an epi-pen to keep on hand?? I don't have any allergies and none of my kids have any "known" allergies. Most of the kids have had almost everything. Would this be a silly thought? My cousin is allergic to peanuts so I understand it a little but need to be a little more educated. I always make him a dessert when our family get together that doesn't have nuts.

You have to have an RX for it.

[momofboys]

But really it's not the family choice to not eat your food, your saying that you will not provide if there are food allergies. When providing for food allergies is not all that different or hard.

My son has food allergies and it's not something I picked to do.

Yes, then you need to provide what he needs. My son also had issues with regular milk when he was younger & has a peanut allergy. When he was younger he went to a home daycare provider. I provided all of the soy milk he needed which is quite pricey. I think it would be ridiculous for the provider to be expected to provide things they would not normally provide just for one child. In regards to a nut allergy my provider avoided giving him peanut products. I would not give a discount for a parent who brought their own food. When we were buying him the soy milk (Silk) I think it was $3 or more for 1/2 gallon (& this was many years ago). Why should the daycare provider "Eat" this expense. It's not the same as buying something you would use for your own family.

[TGT09]

I figured you needed an RX....it just freaks me out at the thought of something happening and me not being able to do anything.