08-Oct-2009

Food Allergy Safety for Halloween

Halloween is a time enjoyed by kids and even the grown-ups!

It can be a very scary time for food allergy kids and their families. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network has some great tips for making the event safer and more enjoyable for all, Here are some of their suggestions:

For those kids Trick-or-Treating:

• Help your neighbors identify your child among other trick-or-treaters by telling them what your child will be dressed as for trick-or-treating. Some FAAN members prepare special treat bags in advance for their neighbors to give to their children.
• Allow your child to help decide what will be done with any “off-limit” candy – this will provide a sense of control.
• Educate those who will be trick-or-treating with your child, so that they know not to encourage your child to eat some of the collected candy en route, before you’ve had a chance to read the ingredients.

Trick-or-Treat Alternatives:

• Transform your garage or porch into a haunted house. Invite your child to act the part of the mummy or other scary creature. Special effects can be achieved with a black light and glow-in-the-dark stickers and strobe lights.
• Plan a movie night at your house. Have children come dressed in costume for Halloween, and turn your living room into a movie “theater,” with the lights off, rows of comfy chairs, and safe popcorn or other snacks to serve all the kids.
• Celebrate with a party. FAAN member Catherine wrote, “Each year, we invite a few friends and neighbors, and the kids get to show off their costumes and play a game. The focus is on costumes, friends, decorations, and fun. Kids have a great time and parents appreciate a holiday party not loaded with sugar.
• Participate in FAAN’s Trick-or-Treat for Food Allergies program.

For more information on this subject and many more helpful hints, go to FAAN’s website.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

---