Not cutting up DS’ grapes?

[moryn]

I was approached by a member of staff at pick up today, to tell me that the kitchen staff expressed concerns that DS’ grapes were whole and not cut up.

He’s 7.5. He chews properly, sits still to eat etc.

I was under the impression that the guidance is for children aged 5 and below.

AIBU here?

Does anyone know if those anti-choking suction devices work well on grapes? I wonder if the suction is strong enough, with the aforementioned problems of shape and skin texture

The First Aid trainer who did my recent course said adults should cut their grapes as well as kids. He obviously saw things.

once they’ve moved out of the family home as independent adults
before then those fucking grapes are being cut so I know as their mother I ticked that box

I’m sure you can do your own risk assessment.

Do you also suggest no one ever gets in a car?

I've actually had to help two people, adults, choking, not on grapes but meat. Neither could speak and one's lips were going blue. I gave one the Heimlich Manoeuvre and the other I just banged really hard on her back. Both times a piece of meat came flying out. I could not imagine trying to help a child with something that had actually become immovably lodged due to the shape of the food. It was terrifying with grown ups and I think would be traumatic at best with kids.

YANBU, and if the school dining area is as chaotic as some posters think it must be, then the school needs to rethink the system they have, because in a chaotic area, any child could choke on any food.

To the poster who cuts her 13 year oldest grapes - please reassure us that you're joking?

It’s incredibly common? Excellent that no harm was ever done to you and yours but sadly it’s a very well publicised choking risk.

She probably suggests taking safety precautions when getting in a car, such as a seat belt or child restraint.

100%

Then you need to stop them roaming and faffing.

Train your children to sit while eating.

Grapes are one of the worst things for choking and while children are at school, talking laughing and mucking about I wouldn't be taking any chances.

Hard to see why people are so up in arms about taking 30 seconds to mitigate a known chocking hazard!

I'm shocked at the chaos in the dining hall that's being reported. When I was in the infants: 5-7 we all sat nicely. If we hadn't there'd have been a missed playtime.

Such a shame schools don't reinforce the high standards many children still have at home. Or set appropriate expectations that come with consequences.

I think in previous generations, the grapes were cut in half to remove the pips and the seedless ones were tiny. I moss tiny seedless grapes.

This is why I still cut my 8yrs old up. People can berate all they like, I’m not prepared to risk it for such a small task.

That makes sense though. Unless your teenager has dysphagia.

Yeah but this is a ks2 child

I still cut up grapes for nearly 13 year old DS.

Everytime I consider not doing it I remember a quote from a doctor who was asked at what age cutting up grapes could be stopped, and they said ideally never. Then I cut up the grapes.

Duly noted; notwithstanding your expert advice, whilst I undergo donning of a hair shirt and self flagellation for my being far too liberal and out of control a parent at not training them to remain completely static whilst consuming food nonetheless I will still cut their grapes in half. Even if their arses are metaphorically glued to chairs around the dining table.
you’d best mark my card

Surely kids have eaten grapes for decades and parents don't have to be told to cut them or not.

That's nanny state on steroids territory.

I don't blame the school for potentially being what done would see as a bit overcautious. The lunch hall is always a bit chaotic with people walking to / from tables, talking etc where it is impossible to monitor every child closely. The staff are taking risks with other people's children and want to reduce the risk of choking as much as possible (yes, it is impossible to remove the risk completely). You (in general , not just OP) might think it is unnecessary to cut up grapes at this age, but you are not actually the one in charge of safety when those grapes are being consumed.

I choked on a skittle the other day too. I had to be looked after in a shop by a lady who gave me a free bottle of water. It was terrifying to be honest!

I remember a few years ago when a chid tragicallly died from choking on a grape there was someone medical talking on the radio about it. They said ideally everyone would have them cut due to the texture/size /shape as anyone can be distracted momentarily or have something go down the wrong way. I think cutting is best.

Also why are people being weird about cutting up food? I presume you don't inhale your steak in one go do you?

Here's a thought - let's teach our 7 year old kids to bite grapes. You know, with their teeth. Like we were taught to do when we were kids 🙄