Allergy Intolerance

Berry allergies. Milk allergies. Peanut allergies. Chocolate allergies. We have our share around this house. And we’ve learned to shop around them. We prepare our kids to not always get what is being served. We’re careful in our teachings to make certain they understand their limits.

This is why I was shocked last week to be told that my children, because they are listed as kids with allergies, may be asked to leave their cooking class. Huh? Aren’t I the parent? Isn’t it me who should determine what is best for my children? And why should my children, who adore their weekly 1-hour cooking class, be punished, when they did absolutely nothing wrong, other than inherit a creepy case of hives, a headache and tummy ache? Meanwhile, Joe Foolin, who pushes every kid’s buttons and says bad words each week in class, gets to stay?

Something’s fishy. And I’m not talking about the gummy fish they used in their ice cream sundaes two Monday’s ago.

Sure, I understand liability. So, please, offer a permission paper to sign every week so they can make and taste banana smoothies and cocoa cereal bars. Request the parents to call ahead to be sure what is being cooked is safe for the kids, before attending class that week. Better yet, Cooking School, provide a pre-planned schedule so I can determine which classes we’ll skip. But, Cooking School, don’t tell me that you know what’s best for my child, or that you’re looking out for his best interest. Uh-uh. That kind of stuff doesn’t fly. I’m the parent. I’ve known the child since he was in utero, certainly since signs of any allergy appeared. I know what he can ingest. I know that he knows what he can and can’t ingest.

So, please, Cooking School: Give the power to the parents. Allow us to make decisions and raise our own children. You? Stick to your kitchen.

This is an original Philly Moms Blog post. Julie Pron is the mom of 2.8 kids and wonders what allergies #3 will have? Follow her online endeavors at juliepron.blogspot.com.