When I was in grammar school, I didn’t know anyone with a life-threatening nut allergy.  Today, it seems to have become a far more common occurrence, and different schools have different approaches to handling the kids with the allergies and the foods they’re allergic to.

My son, who just started pre-K at a private parochial school, is not allowed to bring any food that may have been produced in a plant that may have had any contact with even the tiniest bit of nut dust.  For a kid whose diet centers primarily around peanut butter, we have had to make substantial changes to what we pack for lunch.  He tried the soy nut butter, but he wouldn’t go for it; I can’t say that I blame him.

My daughter, who attends a different parochial school (no boys allowed) is allowed to bring food that may contain nuts in her lunch, but we’ve been asked to be cognizant of food allergies if we bring treats for the entire class – like birthday cookies or cupcakes.  Children in her school with serious food allergies are actually segregated at lunchtime–eating at their very own, nut free table.

I prefer the stance at my daughter’s school. I feel as though it teaches the children with the allergies to have more personal responsibility for what they eat. It teaches them to be responsible for themselves which is a very valuable lesson. The policy at my son’s school, while encouraging the other children to be aware of the different needs of their peers, also removes accountability from the equation which, in the long run, is a mistake.

What do you think?  Should schools ban nuts, or teach the kids with the allergies how to handle it?