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April 30, 2007
A Field Trip Without Food Allergies
My daughter and I went on a field trip to the Zoo this week. It was an overnight trip with her 3rd grade class. If you like animals and kids staying up late, this is the trip for you.
Anyway, this trip was remarkably different that the same trip last year with her older sister. Both of them really enjoy the animals and both of them enjoy camping with their old man (c'mon, I'm not THAT old). The difference? This time the daughter I took does not have food allergies. None. Nada. Nothing.
I have gotten so used to traveling with Epi-Pens and extra food (as back-up), talking to chefs and kitchen staff, and checking out emergency procedures, I forgot how easy a field trip can be! Now, for a family who doesn't deal with child food allergies, this trip would have been as tough as any other overnight field trip. But for a dad who feels naked without the fanny pack on his hip (not too flattering when I wear it on my fanny), it was quite a different experience.
When dinner was served (burgers and dogs), there was no concern. "Whatever you want, honey." And when desert came out, "Okay, but only one cookie; we're having smores later."
This trip served as a reminder of how different life is for parents of kids without any food allergies. Something to think about when talking with other parents. Where those parents are coming from is a very different place and we, as food allergy educators in our own right, need to cognizant of that.
Posted by David at April 30, 2007 9:11 AM
Comments
Glad you posted that David.
I also notice the same thing when I take my non allergic kids out compared to when I take my dairy allergic son out.
And I sling my bum bag with medications in it over my shoulder and head.
Thanks
Aaron
Posted by: Aaron at April 30, 2007 7:56 PM
I've found the same thing. My nonallergic daughter isn't school-age yet, so my situation has more to do with daycare. So nice to be able to drop her off and not worry about reactions!
Posted by: Growing in Grace (Nicole) at May 1, 2007 7:44 AM
My older non-food allergic child is starting Kindergarten this year and I'm glad it's him and not my food allergic child going first. At least I can check things out first and people can get to know us before I have to start bringing up food allergies and how emergency situations are handled at the school.
It is so much easier taking my non-food allergic child places. Thanks for the reminder about dealing with parents who don't deal with food allergies.
Glad you had a nice time on your field trip!
Posted by: ChupieandJsmama at May 1, 2007 10:29 AM