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12 Allergy-Friendly Treats for Classroom Celebrations
When my son turned 8, we learned he had severe allergies to various things, including grass, nuts, and even some common medications. After countless meetings with his school nurse and allergists, we developed a strategy to ensure he stays safe during classroom activities. While allergies are now part of our everyday life, I still feel anxious when it comes time for classroom parties.
Before our journey into the world of allergies, I rarely considered the snacks I brought to school events. Now, I understand that navigating these celebrations can be quite challenging. There are initial phone calls to teachers to discuss my son’s dietary restrictions and constant reminders to ensure he is safe during outdoor events. It is frustrating when other parents don’t recognize the importance of accommodating children with allergies; everyone deserves to feel included.
Finding treats that are safe can be daunting, especially when there are multiple allergies to consider. Aim for snacks that exclude the eight most common allergens: eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Brands like Enjoy Life offer options that are free from these allergens and are often gluten-free and non-GMO. While these treats may be pricier, it’s important to prioritize safety.
If you’re looking to contribute to a classroom party, consider non-food items or safe snack alternatives such as fruit snacks, fruit leather, or gummy candies (like Sour Patch Kids, Skittles, or Starburst). Always double-check labels to ensure safety, but hard candies are usually a good option.
Here are some fun and safe ideas for classroom contributions that don’t revolve around food:
- Create a playlist of your child’s favorite songs and burn it onto a CD for the class.
- Bring along puzzle books or classic games like Mad Libs, which are still popular with kids today.
- Purchase inexpensive books through services like Scholastic Book Club; often you can find $1 specials that also benefit your child’s classroom.
- Stock up on boxes of crayons during back-to-school sales; kids love fresh art supplies.
- Holiday-themed rubber stamps and ink pads are fun, especially with cute messages like “Thumbs Up, Valentine!”
- Consider jump ropes, inflatable pool balls, or Frisbees, which encourage active playtime.
- Mechanical pencils are a hit with kids and can be bought in bulk.
- Tokens for local game centers can be a fun treat.
- Glow sticks are perfect for Halloween; they help parents keep track of their kids in the dark.
- Silly stick-on mustaches or fuzzy eyebrows paired with cheap plastic glasses will get kids giggling.
- Photo props on sticks from craft stores make for hilarious classroom pictures.
- Small trinkets like fake bugs or bouncy balls (be cautious of choking hazards) can make great goody bag fillers.
Parents who take the time to ensure that snacks are safe for everyone in the classroom deserve appreciation. Reaching out for suggestions or simply choosing allergy-friendly options can have a significant impact, ensuring that all children feel included and safe. Sending in a treat that’s safe for kids with allergies can truly be lifesaving—making you a hero in the eyes of parents like me.
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Summary
Navigating classroom parties with children who have allergies can be challenging, but with thoughtful planning and communication, it’s possible to create inclusive and safe celebrations. Opting for non-food treats or allergy-safe snacks ensures every child can participate and enjoy the festivities.
