The ups and downs of managing food allergies in school.   There are many.  I find myself in the throws of managing a field trip right now.  I've learned a few things during this process and it is-- that many things must be considered.

- Risk assessment - what are the risk factors for my child in this particular activity?  Is it safe for him to go or not? 

- What risks can be illiminated and/or reduced?  And, how easy is it to accomplish this?

- Others are involved...other children who don't have restrictions, teachers who have been doing things a certain way for years, staff members who may or may not understand food allergies and their inherent risks, and outside location. 

-What has the cooperation of these others been to this point?

-And change is often times met with resistance due to fear of unknown impact.  People want to know how this will affect them.

As a parent, the change for me is not being able to control everything where my child is concerned.  Change for me is having to grow that backbone to stand up for my child's rights and safety.  But, this is difficult for me, since I'm like most women, a "pleaser".  I like to make sure everyone around me is 100% happy all of the time.  Problem is that's not always possible.  This situation requires give and take on everyone's part, including mine.

If I were a teacher, I'd probably be resistant too.  I'd probably wonder if this is all necessary.  I'd try to be empathetic but at the same time I have 24 other children who probably all have something or other that the parents are concerned about.  It must be very hard to balance everyone's needs - again - trying to please everyone cannot be accomplished.

We're forced to find a balance.  What's necessary and where can we compromise?  In the end, the child's safety is the primary concern.  And I'm finding this can be accomplished, it just takes time, education and patience.