Not Just an Ice Cream Sandwich!

As you know, much of what I do is sharing. This also includes information and tips from other wonderful food allergy bloggers too, not just me. I don't have all of the answers, many of us don't but I do know that I am more than happy to share what I do know and to connect everyone to give them more resources. Today I'm happy to share a guest post from Rozelyn De Sagun. Rozelyn is a food allergy mother and blogger of The Frugalista Mom's Allergy Friendly Home.

A few weeks ago, I was called by the school because my son cried inconsolably. They said it was abnormal for a third grader to behave like that. What even concerned them more was when my child said, “Nobody cares…”  Acting like I’m clueless as to what caused such reaction, I asked them what led to that incident.  (Well, it just so happened that on my way, the class mom gave me a heads up and with genuine concern asked if my son is okay.) 

“Well, he looked like he was having a bad day already. He’s a little frustrated because he wasn’t able to finish a project today. While he still has time to do it tomorrow, he doesn’t seem happy.”

“So, he cried after that?” I inquired.

“Not really, it was after the ice cream sandwiches were distributed that he began to act up. It is just an ice cream sandwich.”

Gathering all my strength to be calm, I stated my points as objectively as possible. 

• Children with food allergies like those with health issues have emotional stressors which regular kids their age don’t get to have.
•  They don’t just eat like most do. Every label and ingredient must be scrutinized no matter how much they like it or hungry they are. Otherwise, they will experience painful physical consequences. 
• They want to be part of the group and enjoy the same things as their friends. In reality, it is a challenge. 
•  While they are trying to accept their unusual condition, they don’t want to be a burden to others at the same time. Do you honestly think they enjoy seeing their moms bake cupcakes or make pizza at wee hours or realize that their friend didn’t bring his favorite food so that he can sit with him at lunch? Or being told that you were the reason why your class can’t have a treat when in reality there’s something all of you can enjoy together?

At that time, that ice cream sandwich was something more. It touched my son on a deeper level during a tough day. Just like the happiness one gets when a complete stranger hands you a dollar in order  to complete a grocery purchase because you’re short that day or the aggravation you felt when someone cuts you off to get the last parking spot. 

I’m not asking for extra kindness. All I wanted is the enforcement of the policy which could have prevented the whole scenario.  Will the kids who were with my son remember it as one of the “happiest days ever”? I doubt it. The incident however, for one person will always be one of the worst. 

Do you have a scenario that you would like to share as well? Comment below- I love to hear about what other food allergy parents are going through.