BTDT Moms, how to approach teacher ?

My 2yo DS has a severe milk allergy. He started nursery school this week. His teacher is aware of the allergy and even keeps a list of ingredients he can't eat posted in case anyone brings a snack in so she can check if it's safe.

On Wednesday when he came home his nose and cheek were red. I pick him up around 11:30am, it didn't clear up until the next morning.

Again today his eyebrow was red (that's already faded but was so red even my 3yo DD asked about it) and I just noticed his neck is red, although that could be from scratching.

I'm starting to suspect he's reacting to her skin creme. I'm going to give it a few more days to see if it continues on the days he has school.

I love his teacher. DD had her last year and she's fantastic. Really loving, and so patient with the kids.

If he keeps reacting, how do I approach her to see if she can use something that doesn't contain buttermilk? I feel terrible asking since I know how difficult it can be to find a skincare product you really like, but there are no other 2yo classes at the school so I'd have to pull him otherwise.

Would it be inappropriate to offer to pay for another product? Ugh, I just feel like it's going to be so awkward.

Re: BTDT Moms, how to approach teacher ?

I'm not a BTDT mom in this case, but I am a teacher. I was thinking about how I would want to be approached about this. I think you should let her know how diligent she is trying to be about what he eats at school and commend her on that. Tell her how much you appreciate it, but he must be coming into contact with something that he is having a reaction to. Brainstorm with her and then suggest it could be a skin product that she is using. I think offering to pay for something else is unnecessary, although very thoughtful and generous. I'm sure if she realizes it could be something she is using, she will want to avoid that contact or change the product.
HTH - Good luck!

Re: BTDT Moms, how to approach teacher ?

My son is 5 and we've been dealing with milk/egg allergy since he's 8 months old.

I completely agree with the PP. I have found that the best strategy is to work with the teacher - I have always been grateful for everything his teachers have done to keep him safe and I make sure I tell them that. The brainstorming for solutions together is the way I find that things work best.

For example, before kindergarten started this year, I spoke with his teacher and we had such a great conversation - I felt so reassured. She told me that she *wants* to take the best care of the kids. I would hope that most teachers are like that. Never be afraid to advocate for your food allergy child, but the spirit of cooperation, I think, will get you further. I would totally follow the PP's advice - it's what I've always done and had great succes...we never had one preschool incident and so far so good at kindergarten!

Good Luck!!

Re: BTDT Moms, how to approach teacher ?

she probably has no idea that her cream is doing this to him.

i think offering to pay for a different cream is very generous. she'll probably refuse, but maybe you can get her like a $25 gift card to CVS so she could try different products.

i know that i have certain products i use and love and others that i don't like as much. by giving a gift card she could try different ones to see which work for her AND your son.

just approach her in a non-threatening way the way you'd wish a parent would approach you if there was a problem between your children. she will probably feel very badly and will want to make sure your son is safe and healthy.

let us know how it turns out!