My son is 3 and has peanut allergy. I read the entire article, and agree with the allergy doctor quoted in the article: it's probably good to be peanut free for preschools or very young children who are still sharing food and sticking things in their mouths. My son's daycare is not peanut free, they know about his allergy and have his epi-pen on hand -- and they still give peanut M&m's as a reward for potty training or other good behavior. One was dropped on the floor a few months ago, and he picked it up and ate it -- then threw up and ended up in urget care with breathing difficulty. I originally discovered his allergy by giving him PB&j and seeing his face swell up -- only realizing later that his throat could have closed. It is indeed a scary allergy if it is severe, and people who haven't seen it firsthand don't undertand. They think it might just cause a rash or something...but, it can be much worse. However, as a parnoid mother who is deeply in love with and protective of my child, I did not take my child out of his daycare or throw any trantrums. Even at 3, he knows he has peanut allergy and I'm teaching him not to eat anything that another child gives him. He has to learn to deal with it, because I won't always be there to remind everyone -- just like the peanut M&M incident. I guess I'm saying I understand why it would annoy a parent who can't give a child PB&J for his lunch at school -- but to some kids peanut butter is very dangerous. If a school is nut-free, I think that's nice for those of us who have children with allergies and I'm all for it. And, if my son didn't have nut allergy I don't think it would be the end of the world for him to have a cheese sandwich at school instead. I don't think schools should go crazy -- like evacuating a bus. That's ridiculous. But, I also don't like the idea of having my son start kindergarten and be told he's not allowed to eat at the same table as his friends becuase they're all chowing down on PB&J. Once he's older, he will understand. But, already I've seen his feelings hurt becuase he can't have the same snack as all of the other kids. When he's older, he will have to learn about disappointment, but I think if all parents could watch their kids hungry for air in the ER after being exposed to a peanut, they would not be so against nut-free elementary schools. Those of you who are older and can't imagine living without PB&J in grade school -- well, that was a long time ago. Times have changed, and the incidence of peanut allergy is much higher for some unknown reason. I don't like it, either...I stash my peanut butter in my desk at work and wash my hands and mouth before I pick up my son from daycare. We all have to deal.