Manipulative Parent

I empathize/sympathize with the kid and the mom here. I can understand how they might choose to do some things out of doors and not others. Life is not "all or nothing" -- especially for people with chronic illness.

People with chronic illnesses often benefit from reducing certain stressors in their lives. But that does not mean they should have to uneccessarily sacrifice every activity that might cause some stress. For example, I have mild diabetes that is totally controlled by diet and exercise. I try to avoid foods high in carbohydrates -- particularly sugary, non-nutritional food like pastries, candy, etc. That doesn't mean I don't allow myself some birthday cake every now-and-then ... or other "splurges" on special ocassions.

I have also suffered with bad hay fever -- and would avoid going outside at my parents house (who lived in a wooded area filled with stuff that would give me a strong allergic reaction). However, that doesn't mean I NEVER stepped outside the house.

Managing a chronic condition often requires flexibility -- and the making of choices that weigh the costs and the benefits in specific situations. I'm on the Mom's side on this one. I can understand that the kid shouldn't have to suffer regularly in school by aggravating his allergies at recess. However, he may be more than willing to suffer a little in exchange for the trip to the zoo -- and Mom shouldn't have to go along to punish her for her child's allergies.

Thanks for the response and I do see where you are coming from. However, he does not have a chronic illness. Mom is very nasty, a few months ago she got mad at me for sending her child home with a fever ! She demanded that he don't go outside however she wants him to go on the field trip.

Update- The doctor's office just called me back and the doctor says he is not to go on the Field trip, he is to stay inside for two weeks. Now we just have to break the news to mom... wish us luck with that.

nursing student i really understand your dillema. i agree with you. he/she should not go on the field trip. parents won't like it, but hey, it was not your decision. you are doing the right thing.

praiser :heartbeat

Is the physician an allergist? Has student had allergy testing? Is he on any allergy meds? Is the exclusion from P.E. short-term or permanent?

Personally, I think P.E. exclusion should be a last resort. Physical activity is important. I agree, he should not go on field trip. Thank of all of that animal dander, etc flying around at the zoo!

is the physician an allergist? not sure.has student had allergy testing? not sure.is he on any allergy meds? he's currently on antibiotics for an eye infection.is the exclusion from p.e. short-term or permanent? short term.

personally, i think p.e. exclusion should be a last resort. physical activity is important. i agree, he should not go on field trip. thank of all of that animal dander, etc flying around at the zoo!

thanks for all the replies

You have a doctors note saying the child cannot go outside. You can always say that is is not within your authority to override a medical decision. In any other situation you have to follow doctors orders right?

I hate parents that do stuff like this....Stand your ground. Your right!!!!!