Until a few years ago, when my oldest son was diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to tree nuts, I had no understanding of the severity of food allergies. Therefore I have always tried to be understanding of those who have had a hard time with the initial acceptance of my sons allergies. (That's not to say it hasn't at times irritated the hell outta me!) It was when Sarah Palin, the former Governor of Alaska and GOP Vice Presidential Nominee, made such an ignorant comment today regarding the proposed state ban on cakes, cookies, and candy at school parties in Pennsylvania that I broke.
Palin's controversial tweet earlier today read, "Hmm...may bring cookies to my PA school speech tmrw to make a pt 'PA mulls ban on cake/cookies/candy@ school parties..". I would have expected this women to have some education, if not knowledge, in regards to children's health issues in the United States and therefore be somewhat aware of the increase in both food allergies as well as childhood obesity. I cannot understand how she could have such a disregard to the safety and well being of those students who may suffer from either food allergies, celiac disease or weight issues. I find it hard to believe that she is unaware of the reasons behind the banning of sweets and other baked goods in the classroom, acting as if this is being done just to prove some sort of point.
Regardless of the reasons behind the proposed banning of classroom sweets, Palin, also the mother of a child with down syndrome, should fully understand the importance of keeping our children safe, healthy, and accepted. Neither did our children nor we as parents ask for these disabilities and/or restrictions. School should be a safe haven for our kids to grow and learn. My child shouldn't have to feel left out and I shouldn't have to worry about another parent putting my childs life at risk due to their own selfishness.
There are those who are quick to blame the television, movies, or the radio for the current troubles amongst our kids and the current increase in bullying at school but what about the parents? When someone such as Sarah Palin, a mother, challenges the policies set in place by school officials why should our children be expected to follow these same rules and policies? As I have said before, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. By no means am I saying that Sarah Palins children are in any way bad or troubled. But you do have to wonder, exactly what kind of example does this set?
There are so many other ways to create a fun environment for kids. After all, a teacher is there to teach and interact with your child not feed them. If these cookies, cakes, and candies are such an important part of a child's life I have to wonder how the millions of children with food allergies, including my own, have managed to live such healthy, happy lives without them?
You can have your cake, but please, leave it at home!
Palin's controversial tweet earlier today read, "Hmm...may bring cookies to my PA school speech tmrw to make a pt 'PA mulls ban on cake/cookies/candy@ school parties..". I would have expected this women to have some education, if not knowledge, in regards to children's health issues in the United States and therefore be somewhat aware of the increase in both food allergies as well as childhood obesity. I cannot understand how she could have such a disregard to the safety and well being of those students who may suffer from either food allergies, celiac disease or weight issues. I find it hard to believe that she is unaware of the reasons behind the banning of sweets and other baked goods in the classroom, acting as if this is being done just to prove some sort of point.
Regardless of the reasons behind the proposed banning of classroom sweets, Palin, also the mother of a child with down syndrome, should fully understand the importance of keeping our children safe, healthy, and accepted. Neither did our children nor we as parents ask for these disabilities and/or restrictions. School should be a safe haven for our kids to grow and learn. My child shouldn't have to feel left out and I shouldn't have to worry about another parent putting my childs life at risk due to their own selfishness.
There are those who are quick to blame the television, movies, or the radio for the current troubles amongst our kids and the current increase in bullying at school but what about the parents? When someone such as Sarah Palin, a mother, challenges the policies set in place by school officials why should our children be expected to follow these same rules and policies? As I have said before, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. By no means am I saying that Sarah Palins children are in any way bad or troubled. But you do have to wonder, exactly what kind of example does this set?
There are so many other ways to create a fun environment for kids. After all, a teacher is there to teach and interact with your child not feed them. If these cookies, cakes, and candies are such an important part of a child's life I have to wonder how the millions of children with food allergies, including my own, have managed to live such healthy, happy lives without them?
You can have your cake, but please, leave it at home!
Well said. Sarah Palin's comments were more than ignorant, they reveled her true colors. The, "I'll show them" attitude instead of "let's help each other". Thanks for the post. I hope she reads it and gets a clue!
ReplyDeleteSo we aren't thinking she meant an allergically-friendly cake? I'm certainly not giving her the credit for that but maybe her "supporters:....
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend, two cousins and my current employer all have various nut allergies. All of them have been to the hospital more than once because of their allergies. In this day and age, it is very common. I shocked at the ignorance of these people. I am certain everyone knows someone with these allergies. I am shocked that airlines haven't banned nuts. The simple residue from a peanut causes my boyfriend's body temperature and blood pressure to drop and what follows is a very scary 24 hours. Doesn't she care about the children? My guess is not really.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic post, thank you!!! As an Alaskan, a woman and a mother of a child with multiple allergies, I am once again disgusted by the ignorance of this woman. We don't mope around whining about what our kids can't eat, it's just a reality we deal with. What have we come to, as a country, if it's truly devastating that cake, cookies, etc can't be brought into the classroom! Thanks again, Breanna
ReplyDeleteMy child has deadly food allergies to dairy, eggs, nuts, and wheat. He can't go anywhere without his epipen and he rarely goes anywhere without a parent or trained caretaker. Everytime I walk out the door of my home I feel like I am risking his life. If my phone rings while my child is at his school, where I have spent hours training teachers and nurses about food allergies, my first thought is that he could be having a reaction. So I "get it" about food allergies and how serious they are and how hard it is to live in a mostly unfriendly allergy food obsessed world. I am having a hard time understanding where all the assumptions are being made about what SP meant in that tweet. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to defend SP, just don't see how everyone is drawing the conclusions that have been stated from that tweet.
ReplyDelete