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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>"Allergy" Overload!
Lyss 11:50 AM 04-04-2013
I feel like lately ALL the DCKs I have (or have interviewed with) have something "wrong" with them or some sort of allergy, especially food allergies.

Currently I have DCKs with milk allergies, gluten free, nut allergies, bee allergies, and chicken allergies DD is literally the only one without some sort of allergy. But the thing that really drives me crazy is that of course none of them have actually been medically diagnosed or could provide a DR's note. DCPs have just decided they have them and provide alternatives (usually after demanding I provide them doesn't fly).

DD and one PT DCG are the only kids that gets "regular" milk, the others have soy, almond, or lactose free (all parent provided). One (16mo) they never even tried milk, they just assumed because mom has a stomach ache when she drinks it that DCG would too (she ate dairy/milk when breastfeeding and DCG didn't have an issue)

I've had to give each of these "milk allergies" regular cows milk on multiple occasions and there has never been any issues. I make sure to tell DCPs when I do (usually before because they've forgotten the alternative) and always watch for signs, but nothing. I've also had the gluten, nut, and dairy free kids (all different kids) show up with things on the "do not serve" list like wheat bread, PB&J, or a cheese burrito

I guess what set this vent/rant off was this morning one of my DCMs brought chocolate soy milk (I told her no way am I serving that) and has decided that DCB is also allergic to wheat bread ("just wheat bread, not gluten") so she doesn't want him eating bread unless it's white

Does anyone else see this rise or have issues with "allergies"? Is everyone a hypochondriac these days?
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Evansmom 12:04 PM 04-04-2013
We have real anaphylactic allergies in my family and in my daycare. It scares me when you say you "had to" serve these children their stated allergens. Even without a doctor's note confirming the allergy this is very very dangerous. Food allergies are nothing to mess around with. We all carry epi-pens and benedryl at all times.

Even if someone had a mild reaction to an allergen last time does not mean they will have that same mild reaction at the next exposure. I'm sure you don't want to deal with a child's throat closing at daycare. And not all EMS carry child dosage epi-pens.

If someone served my son his allergens just because they didn't believe me I'd be livid.
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Heidi 12:09 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Evansmom:
We have real anaphylactic allergies in my family and in my daycare. It scares me when you say you "had to" serve these children their stated allergens. Even without a doctor's note confirming the allergy this is very very dangerous. Food allergies are nothing to mess around with. We all carry epi-pens and benedryl at all times.

Even if someone had a mild reaction to an allergen last time does not mean they will have that same mild reaction at the next exposure. I'm sure you don't want to deal with a child's throat closing at daycare. And not all EMS carry child dosage epi-pens.

If someone served my son his allergens just because they didn't believe me I'd be livid.
I totally get what you're saying, my BFF has an auto-immune disorder that causes her to have severe allergies to literally hundreds of things. At 39, she struggles daily with it, and alot of people think she's a hypochondriac. She's been to countless specialists, but nothing can be done. Now, that being said...she's been to countless specialists.

The kiddos in Lyss' care haven't even been diagnosed with allergies, and if they are so allergic, they're parents shouldn't/wouldn't forget their special milk, etc.

As for OP, how can you be allergic to whole wheat but not refined wheat?
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Unregistered 12:11 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Lyss:
I feel like lately ALL the DCKs I have (or have interviewed with) have something "wrong" with them or some sort of allergy, especially food allergies.

Currently I have DCKs with milk allergies, gluten free, nut allergies, bee allergies, and chicken allergies DD is literally the only one without some sort of allergy. But the thing that really drives me crazy is that of course none of them have actually been medically diagnosed or could provide a DR's note. DCPs have just decided they have them and provide alternatives (usually after demanding I provide them doesn't fly).

DD and one PT DCG are the only kids that gets "regular" milk, the others have soy, almond, or lactose free (all parent provided). One (16mo) they never even tried milk, they just assumed because mom has a stomach ache when she drinks it that DCG would too (she ate dairy/milk when breastfeeding and DCG didn't have an issue)

I've had to give each of these "milk allergies" regular cows milk on multiple occasions and there has never been any issues. I make sure to tell DCPs when I do (usually before because they've forgotten the alternative) and always watch for signs, but nothing. I've also had the gluten, nut, and dairy free kids (all different kids) show up with things on the "do not serve" list like wheat bread, PB&J, or a cheese burrito

I guess what set this vent/rant off was this morning one of my DCMs brought chocolate soy milk (I told her no way am I serving that) and has decided that DCB is also allergic to wheat bread ("just wheat bread, not gluten") so she doesn't want him eating bread unless it's white

Does anyone else see this rise or have issues with "allergies"? Is everyone a hypochondriac these days?

That sounds super frustrating but honestly I can't eat anyother type of bread then plain ol white bread...the more of the "good wheat" processed out of it the better for my tummy. It is a celiac thing. I have actual allergies diagnosed by an allergist and am an epipen carrier.
I'd insist on a Dr note. Allergies are scary.
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Starburst 12:13 PM 04-04-2013
I sometimes watch a 2 year old boy with a peanut allegery and a milk allergy but his parents are slowly trying to desensitize him to the milk allergy by giving him dairy regularly (they aren't doing anything about the peanut allergy because it is more severe) but those are real allegeries that are diagoned by doctors.

In a child development health/safety/nutrition class I took last semester one girl said that at the center she worked at many of the parents would say that their kids had a certain allegeries but had no documentation or proof of it, she said she thinks its like a "trend", like parents think it's cool that their kids are allergic to certain foods. Or maybe they think the provider will give them healthier food if they say their kid is allergic to certain foods? IDK, I think if it came to food I actually had to provide and buy a special type of food for I would ask for a doctor's note- espesually if I was on food program and they only allow certain foods.
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TheGoodLife 12:20 PM 04-04-2013
Are you licensed? You could say your licensor informed you that you have to have a drs. note, for safety regulations...
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Unregistered 12:29 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
I totally get what you're saying, my BFF has an auto-immune disorder that causes her to have severe allergies to literally hundreds of things. At 39, she struggles daily with it, and alot of people think she's a hypochondriac. She's been to countless specialists, but nothing can be done. Now, that being said...she's been to countless specialists.

The kiddos in Lyss' care haven't even been diagnosed with allergies, and if they are so allergic, they're parents shouldn't/wouldn't forget their special milk, etc.

As for OP, how can you be allergic to whole wheat but not refined wheat?
At that point with extream processing most of the natural stuff (protein allergin) is gone.
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Lyss 12:34 PM 04-04-2013
I have to have a DRs note in order to serve food not on the food program or alternatives. I also required it to weed out the dislikes from real allergies.

I'm not at all trying to say that all people with allergies are being overdramatic. I have had children with very serious allergies, that carried epi pens and wore allergy alert bracelets, and I realize they can be deadly!!

I guess I should have added more emphasis on how much the parents don't adhere to their own "do not feed" lists and the lack of diagnosis part. Like I said none of these parents have had a DR verify the allergy. Not to say they have not been to the DR, but rather ALL of them have told me their DR has said he sees no signs or they shouldn't have anything to worry about, they just disagree.
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Evansmom 12:38 PM 04-04-2013
My son has a 0 on his RAST but clearly reacts to his allergens. Our allergist said that RAST and skin testing has about a 50% false results rate so this means there are exactly no tests on the market that are reliable. Our allergist says reaction trumps testing every time so a child still can be anaphylactic even without a doctors note. Even if their reaction the first time was mild it does not mean the reaction will stay mild.

Please be careful with food allergies. I'm not saying that some parents don't overstate their children's allergies however that does not give any care giver the right to serve a food to a child that the parent says not to. That's reckless behavior.
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Blackcat31 12:55 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Evansmom:
Please be careful with food allergies. I'm not saying that some parents don't overstate their children's allergies however that does not give any care giver the right to serve a food to a child that the parent says not to. That's reckless behavior.
Then the parent should be bringing the food.

I agree that allergies can be deadly but no way am I making and preparing special foods based on the parent's word.

I'd serve special food IF the parent supplied the food.

Sorry but here it is a Doctor's note or a parent supplied lunch. That is the ONLY two options I offer.
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Luvnmykidz 12:56 PM 04-04-2013
I have three kiddos of my own and all 3 have been diagnosed with food allergies at some time in their life. I say that because my 10 yr old DD was allergic to dairy, milk, and citrus but eventually outgrew all by last year. She was followed by allergy/asthma dr. and had a live feed to verify the bloodwork was accurate that she was no longer allergic. My 6 yr old DD is autistic and allergic to eggs, nuts. Shes followed by asthma/allergy and a ton of others. She has an immune system issue as well, but her lungs collapsed due to allergies and vaccinations. My 3 yr old DS is allergic to eggs, nuts, dairy, and soy. Also followed by asthma/allergy dr. We keep epi-pen jr and benadryl on hand and are very cautious with the egg and nut. It really depends on the number the allergy bloodwork is as to how severe it is. His soy and dairy are very low, so he can tolerate a small amount of soy or dairy but too much causes him to have stomach issues. I dont have any allergies but my ex-dh had citrus and dairy, go figure . I would request a dr.'s note for the kids in your care. I have seen many parents that assume because a food makes them feel a certain way then the kid will be the same but its not true. Also I can imagine how annoying it is to have to deal with made up allergies, when the parents dont really follow what they say
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Lyss 12:56 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Evansmom:
My son has a 0 on his RAST but clearly reacts to his allergens. Our allergist said that RAST and skin testing has about a 50% false results rate so this means there are exactly no tests on the market that are reliable. Our allergist says reaction trumps testing every time so a child still can be anaphylactic even without a doctors note. Even if their reaction the first time was mild it does not mean the reaction will stay mild.

Please be careful with food allergies. I'm not saying that some parents don't overstate their children's allergies however that does not give any care giver the right to serve a food to a child that the parent says not to. That's reckless behavior.
I'm not being reckless with the children in my care. I've taken all these allergies seriously at first, but I can not provide individual meals for each kid and when they repeatedly show up with foods that they aren't supposed to be eating (milkshakes, cheese burritos, PBJ, trail mix, whole wheat toast... all from DCPs which I never saw a reaction from), DCPs can't provide a DR note, and they don't seem concerned enough to bring the alternatives it just shows to me that it's obviously not a serious allergy, if one at all.
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Lyss 12:56 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Then the parent should be bringing the food.

I agree that allergies can be deadly but no way am I making and preparing special foods based on the parent's word.

I'd serve special food IF the parent supplied the food.

Sorry but here it is a Doctor's note or a parent supplied lunch. That is the ONLY two options I offer.
Ditto
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Blackcat31 12:57 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Lyss:
I'm not being reckless with the children in my care. I've taken all these allergies seriously at first, but when the they repeatedly shows up with foods that they aren't supposed to be eating (milkshakes, cheese burritos, PBJ, trail mix, whole wheat toast... all from DCPs which I never saw a reaction from), DCPs can't provide a DR note, and they don't seem concerned enough to bring the alternatives it just shows to me that it's obviously not a serious allergy, if one at all.
I currently have a child with a dairy allergy.

But for some reason the allergy is only at my house because twice now in the last two weeks, I have run into them at Dairy Queen and witnessed with my own eyes the child eating ice cream.
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Evansmom 01:11 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Lyss:
I'm not being reckless with the children in my care. I've taken all these allergies seriously at first, but I can not provide individual meals for each kid and when they repeatedly show up with foods that they aren't supposed to be eating (milkshakes, cheese burritos, PBJ, trail mix, whole wheat toast... all from DCPs which I never saw a reaction from), DCPs can't provide a DR note, and they don't seem concerned enough to bring the alternatives it just shows to me that it's obviously not a serious allergy, if one at all.
So wait, you are saying that the DCPs say their child has an allergy to a food. Then the DCKs show up at daycare with a food from home given to them by DCP that contains the allergen the child is supposed to be allergic to? The food that the DCP requests you not serve their child at daycare?
I'm not being snarky at all, just trying to understand.
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Lyss 01:16 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Evansmom:
So wait, you are saying that the DCPs say their child has an allergy to a food. Then the DCKs show up at daycare with a food from home given to them by DCP that contains the allergen the child is supposed to be allergic to? The food that the DCP requests you not serve their child at daycare?
I'm not being snarky at all, just trying to understand.
Yep! I address it and usually get: "well... small doses are ok" multiple DCPs, not just one
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Country Kids 01:21 PM 04-04-2013
Remember though-children are always allergic to healthy foods, never fast food or convience foods.
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Evansmom 01:22 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Lyss:
Yep! I address it and usually get: "well... small doses are ok"
What???!!!!

Sorry, but what???!!!

Seriously as an allergy mom this blows my mind completely. Why would anyone in their right mind pretend to have this condition if you really don't?? I fear for my son when we try a "new" food he hasn't had before even after hours of research and I make EVERYTHiNG from scratch and we never eat out and it's exhausting!! And scary!

I'd have absolutely no tolerance for a parent that did what yours are doing. I'd term them for lying about a food allergy. Seriously. I run an allergy friendly program and we are very strict about not sharing food and kids bring safe packed lunches from home.

I just don't understand why a parent would do this.
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Unregistered 01:27 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Lyss:
Yep! I address it and usually get: "well... small doses are ok"
Uh..no. That is crazy pants parenting right there.

Small doses of an allergin still has the protien in it. There is no gauge to tell if the next time an allergic child eats a "small dose" of icecream it will be fatal or not.

This kind of crud makes it harder for others to believe and take seriously actual allergic people and just burns my gluten free buns!

It makes me shutter to think of an allergic child being dropped into care having been given a "small dose" of a suspected/known allergin before hand and they have a reaction hours later...
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cheerfuldom 05:54 PM 04-04-2013
I think its a trend and an excuse for parents to get special treatment and attention. Their child is not like other children and therefore needs that extra amount because they are special or at least that is what they think.

i realize there are many legitimate forms of allergies but I have had the same experience with parents being crazy on this topic.

one parent said repeatedly that child was ill (aka throwing tantrums) because child was "allergic to snow" and please do not take her outside

another parent did not inform me that their child had a peanut allergy and an epi pen until drop off the first day of care. just tossed me the pen at random and said "oh yeah, you might need this" (opposite problem of there being an issue per the doctor and the parents not taking it seriously)

another parent regular giving inhalers and breathing treatments for a list of allergies that i have never seen one sign to indicate the issues. seen the kid act perfectly normal and the parent rush over, "see"an allergy attack, and bust out the inhalers. there was literally nothing wrong!
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itlw8 06:07 PM 04-04-2013
ds had a milk allergy he could have up to 1/4 cup a day with no reaction more and his tummy hurt and he had diarreah so for him no fluid milk but we allowed some milk in baked goods.

I told dr symptoms, I kept a food diary and dr agreed with me .They do not test at young age unless a serious allergy.

so yes he could have small amounts but I wanted to be the one to give it to him so I could monitor how much he had. I was lucky my provider agreed to help with the food diary that went back and forth each day and she measured everything. milk and pork were his allergies.

now my niece the reaction was respiratory so much more serious.

as far as icecream my sis is lactose intolerant and sometime she just wants ice cream. so she takes her papaya enzyme and knows she will hae a tummy ache.
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Candy 07:00 PM 04-04-2013
I don't think i would take a child with a certain allergy like milk or grass. Its to common and they might touch another kid with milk. Just what do parents want me to do with a kid allergic to grass how are they suppose to play outside?
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Lyss 07:06 PM 04-04-2013
Examples:
-Dairy allergy DCK1- shows up with a 16oz Starbucks hot chocolate (I checked printed receipt on the cup it said "2% milk"), a milkshake from home or McDonalds (often for breakfast ), 2 adult sized cheese burritos, and she brought ice cream cones for DCBs bday (she showed up @ pick up with them). This stuff is always nearly gone win DCB arrives because they know my no junk food policy.
-Dairy allergy DCK2: DCD brought regular milk twice (just nonfat ), Ice cream cake for bday, DCM says she eats cottage cheese at "every meal & love it"
-nut allergy DCK3- sent with trail mix for snack at least 2x a week, PBJ for breakfast (PB caked on each side of bread so "jelly doesn't make the bread too soggy," reese's pieces, snack packs with the peanut exposure warning.

I should also say none of the kids that I currently have all said "no allergies" at interviews, their enrollment papers also say "none" under the allergy section

Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
I think its a trend and an excuse for parents to get special treatment and attention. Their child is not like other children and therefore needs that extra amount because they are special or at least that is what they think.

i realize there are many legitimate forms of allergies but I have had the same experience with parents being crazy on this topic.

one parent said repeatedly that child was ill (aka throwing tantrums) because child was "allergic to snow" and please do not take her outside

another parent did not inform me that their child had a peanut allergy and an epi pen until drop off the first day of care. just tossed me the pen at random and said "oh yeah, you might need this" (opposite problem of there being an issue per the doctor and the parents not taking it seriously)

another parent regular giving inhalers and breathing treatments for a list of allergies that i have never seen one sign to indicate the issues. seen the kid act perfectly normal and the parent rush over, "see"an allergy attack, and bust out the inhalers. there was literally nothing wrong!
^This is exactly what I'm talking about (well apart from the peanut one! Yikes!), its as though they are making up allergies to make their kid "different" or "special." One DCM is always at the DR for herself or DCB, there is ALWAYS something wrong. As soon as she hears another parent talking about something their kid has DCB is at the DR and she swears he has it too.

And allergic to snow?!?! Wow that tops them all!
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AmyKidsCo 08:12 PM 04-04-2013
Chicken allergies?! Like, chicken the food or live chickens??

Since I'm on the food program I'm not allowed to make substitutions without a doctor's note, which helps cut down on "frivolous" requests. I'd update my policies to require a Dr's note right away, then give the parents all a copy of the updated policies.
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MotherNature 08:21 PM 04-04-2013
Originally Posted by Evansmom:
What???!!!!

Sorry, but what???!!!

Seriously as an allergy mom this blows my mind completely. Why would anyone in their right mind pretend to have this condition if you really don't?? I fear for my son when we try a "new" food he hasn't had before even after hours of research and I make EVERYTHiNG from scratch and we never eat out and it's exhausting!! And scary!

I'd have absolutely no tolerance for a parent that did what yours are doing. I'd term them for lying about a food allergy. Seriously. I run an allergy friendly program and we are very strict about not sharing food and kids bring safe packed lunches from home.

I just don't understand why a parent would do this.
I agree completely. I, myself have several food intolerances, many of them major ones. No, it is not life threatening, but if I get gluten on my skin, I break out in a rash. You'd be surprised how many body care products have it in there. I also get very painful cramps that can last for hours, cracking painful skin lesions, & there's other stuff. I have multiple intolerances, & they were misdiagnosed for a decade. I'm finally getting well thanks to my new doctor, but it's only been a couple months. Anyway, the other day, my DCB came in carrying a biscuit. I had just drawn up a new contract & made a handbook & his mom had just signed it the day before. I got my backbone up & looked from her to the biscuit. She stammered, " Uh...he HAD to bring it with him." (She has a hard time saying no to him b/c she doesn't want to be a disciplinarian.) I said," I'm allergic to wheat & gluten." She asked,"Even just to touch it?" "Yes. I break out...." "Oh, well, you can just throw it away." Yeah...that's why I had that half page in the handbook about allergies, etc... Sigh. I was glad he was my only kid that day..

But yeah, that's terrible they would even fake that. It's not a joke. I advertise that I'm allergy aware & offer vegetarian & vegan food, mostly organic, & local when available. I also have a small group, so I have no problem doing it. I'm not reimbursed for it, as I'm not licensed, but if a parent has special requests due to an allergy, I will work with them on it.
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NeedaVaca 06:07 AM 04-05-2013
I feel like you need to put a stop to this, honestly it's too risky for you to not completely know for sure what's going on with these allergies. Either require a Dr. note or if they won't test yet because the kids are too young then have them write down exact allergies and stop allowing them to bring those foods in your house. Sorry mom, you told me DCB has a milk allergy, I can't allow him to have this. How can they expect you to keep up with it if they are constantly bringing the foods that they are allergic to? Small amounts are ok? well I'm not comfortable with that, they could have a bad reaction and I can't have that kind of responsibility...
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Crazy In Mo 11:20 AM 04-05-2013
"Allergies" these days really are some of the craziest things I've ever seen!!! In the past 3 months I've had 2 different parents tell me their child is allergic to milk. I say, ok not a problem but you will need to provide the milk they can have! Child's first day rolls around and ooops we forgot the milk but I think the doctor was wrong anywy so just give them whatever milk you have!!....... Wow these allergies sure do just come and go in the blink of an eye.

Some people! I just don't get it...... This whole allergy trend thing?!?
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DCMom 12:42 PM 04-05-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Sorry but here it is a Doctor's note or a parent supplied lunch. That is the ONLY two options I offer.
This^^
I have one with a "milk allergy" (but often has chocolate milk packed in his lunch ) and two with diagnosed Celiac's. Parents bring all of their meals and I have a diet statement and doctors note on file for the Celiac's cases. Nothing with the 'milk allergy' though I have requested it several times.
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Starburst 12:59 PM 04-05-2013
Originally Posted by Crazy In Mo:
"Allergies" these days really are some of the craziest things I've ever seen!!! In the past 3 months I've had 2 different parents tell me their child is allergic to milk. I say, ok not a problem but you will need to provide the milk they can have! Child's first day rolls around and ooops we forgot the milk but I think the doctor was wrong anywy so just give them whatever milk you have!!....... Wow these allergies sure do just come and go in the blink of an eye.

Some people! I just don't get it...... This whole allergy trend thing?!?
Are they sure its actually a milk allergy or could it possibly be lactose intolerance? Because they are two different things and they have different effects on different people. I am lactose intolerant but I have pills I can use if needed and even if I don't take it, it doesn't have much effects if I eat it with something that neutralizes it- like chocolate, peanut butter, cereal or if I have it in small amounts like in a cheese burger (something that balances or over powers the dairy). My brother has been lactose intolerant since he was a baby and he gets really sick if he eats or drinks anything with milk.
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Lyss 01:01 PM 04-05-2013
Originally Posted by AmyKidsCo:
Chicken allergies?! Like, chicken the food or live chickens??

Since I'm on the food program I'm not allowed to make substitutions without a doctor's note, which helps cut down on "frivolous" requests. I'd update my policies to require a Dr's note right away, then give the parents all a copy of the updated policies.
Eating chicken, BUT just grilled/baked chicken not chicken nuggets

I require a DRs note or parent provided food. I'm not making meals for each kid because they don't like... oops I mean are "allergic" to it. If its a true or serious allergy then DCPs are very quick to bring in substitutes or a DRs note. 2 of mine just want me to provide different foods (IE chicken nuggets, no whole milk...) at my expense but when they have to provide it themselves the child suddenly no longer has it.

Originally Posted by Crazy In Mo:
"Allergies" these days really are some of the craziest things I've ever seen!!! In the past 3 months I've had 2 different parents tell me their child is allergic to milk. I say, ok not a problem but you will need to provide the milk they can have! Child's first day rolls around and ooops we forgot the milk but I think the doctor was wrong anywy so just give them whatever milk you have!!....... Wow these allergies sure do just come and go in the blink of an eye.

Some people! I just don't get it...... This whole allergy trend thing?!?
I don't get it either! The milk response is exactly what I get when they forget milk. One DCP brought in regular milk not the lactose free DCG is supposed to have, just fat free When I asked he said "oops guess I grabbed the wrong one again (2nd time its happened), she'll be fine"
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