Wow, my kids wish they lived in a school district like Ashley's district. They have done a complete 180 on the class parties (both in public and private schools my youngest had attended). Cupcakes, candy and anything remotely resembling a treat is banned. Sorry, but parties aren't all that fun with raw veggies and fruits.
And I am surprised that teachers aren't more careful about foods. While it isn't fair to put the burden to determine "safe foods" on the kid, I have found that bright kids are pretty good figuring that out on their own. DD16 switched schools when she was 4 and met a kid who was seemingly allergic to everything. I was scared to offer this kid anything but a glass of water. But this kid (likely HG) knew what she could and could not eat by age 4. And if she had any question in her mind if the food was safe, the teacher would bring out a "safe snack" (she kept a supply of these in her desk).
In DD9's elementary school, whenever they have an event where you bring in food, every ingredient must be listed on a card attached to the dish. I see schools around here being really careful - maybe because there are so many attorney parents.
As for pediatricians, let me know if you find one that is even of average IQ. I typically diagnose my kids (and myself) and go straight to the specialist. I would never trust a pediatrician to advise me on allergies (or anything else). We have met some wonderful specialists, and I'm sure there are some great pediatricians out there, but I haven't found them. DH thinks I'm nuts but the kids in my HS who became doctors were middling students at best - not kids that anyone ever referred to as "bright".
And aquinas, I'm sorry that the cupcakes messed up your day, but I know that cupcakes really make the day for my GT kids. I know that my kids can go overboard on the junk. Maybe it is just the competitive nature of DD18, but last year she got into a Froyo eating contest with others at a local yogurt shop. 44 ounces later she had her picture on the wall of the shop. And no, she isn't tubby, but she is the heaviest of my kids at 5'4", 105.
