I agree with TT, basically.  We have some almonds in the house for dh and I to consume for our heart health, and we take a calculated risk once or twice each summer at an ice cream stand.  They  get a clean scoop, wash hands, and use a new container, but manufacturing may pose a risk.  Everyone has their own comfort zones.  We also bring dd to sporting arenas(baseball, basketball games), where peanuts are sold and consumed. 

I am so glad you were able to enjoy the parade!

I think it was a great idea!

As our children get older, they need to learn and know how to navigate their worlds safely.  Your child is growing up in a community that will always have risks and your showing him that he can participate with precautions not only makes him feel included but also slowly begins to open up his world.

OH, TABI!!!!

I'm so thrilled for your family that you were able to participate in this community event.  I know that it has been painful and isolating for your family to feel that you have to opt out year after year.   

Janelle- I am sure no one hates you. To some people it is not a matter of eatting or buying peanut products that is bothersome. It is the act act of celebrating something that is harmful to their child. This was brought up as an issue when we decided to allow DD to participate. Its an understandable sentiment but we have a slightly different veiw as a familly.

I think that you made a good choice for your family.

I eat peanuts and peanut products a lot - I hope none of the allergy folks hate me for that.  I don't hate anyone for eating apples - well, unless they do it in my presence with the intention of being obnoxious.

Oh the the flooging comment was toung-in-cheek but it is also an acknowledgement that:

1 we were taking on a certain amount of risk with this.
That many would not have found acceptable even with the efforts to minimize.

And

2. That some people here UNDERSTANDABELY have difficulty with the very idea of a Peanut Festival and our taking part.

No reason for flogging.  I am so glad you found a way that your family could enjoy your community's big event.  Or at least part of it.  Being involved in the big events in your community can be very important, especially if you are in a small town (or someplace with a small town feel).

I think you did the right thing, enabling your child to enjoy a normal activity with a consideration for individual/ own  comfort zones. which will support your child as they grow older as he  takes on more responsibility, also a good confidence booster.

I'm glad you found a way for him to enjoy the parade.  Very cool

Quote from: twinturbo on October 13, 2012, 07:54:22 PM
I still buy nut snack presents online for people who can enjoy them. No flogging from me I'm allergen agnostic. We still eat and serve some allergens in our own home.

What she said 

Do what works for your family and if it doesn't work, back up, redraw the plans and start over. 

So glad he was able to enjoy watching the parade, and that he now understands your concern.  Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

I still buy nut snack presents online for people who can enjoy them. No flogging from me I'm allergen agnostic. We still eat and serve some allergens in our own home.

It's up to each of us to decide what's safe for our family and what we're comfortable doing.  I'm so glad it worked out for your family to participate and it worked out well!  It sounded like a lot of fun, and good for them for trying to figure out a way to include PA people at a PN festival.

No flogging!  I'm so happy your ds got to enjoy the parade  !  Also kudos to those trying to make it safe for pa kiddos to take part in the festivities  .

No flogging from me!  Glad you had fun!