By April Sonsona of Rhea Lana’s of East Bay CA
Halloween is a time of excitement, costumes, and, of course, treats. But for parents of children with food allergies, it can also be a time of heightened anxiety. My son is 5 years old and has peanut and sesame food allergies. The abundance of treats, many of which contain common allergens, can make navigating Halloween a challenging experience. However, with careful planning and awareness, Halloween can be fun and safe for all children. Here’s how parents can manage food allergies during the Halloween season.
1. Educate Your Child About Their Allergies
Empowering your child with knowledge about their food allergies is crucial. Make sure they understand which foods to avoid and why it’s important not to eat anything without checking first. Teach them to politely decline treats if unsure about the ingredients, and practice reading labels together to identify potential allergens. This will help your child feel more confident and in control when they’re out trick-or-treating or at Halloween parties. For younger children, consider role-playing different scenarios they might encounter, such as being offered candy by a friend or receiving a treat with no label. This can help reinforce safe behaviors and give them the tools needed to navigate Halloween safely. My son usually speaks up and says he has food allergies and is very hesitant to accept food from people.
Have you heard of the “Teal Pumpkin Project”?! A teal Halloween bucket indicates a child has a food allergy and may prefer non-food treats like glow sticks, pencils, or stickers. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to make Halloween safer and more inclusive for children with food allergies. A teal pumpkin on a doorstep means that the homeowner has non-food treats available.
2. Plan Ahead for Trick-or-Treating
Before heading out for trick-or-treating, have a game plan in place. One strategy is to carry a bag of safe, allergy-friendly treats with you. As your child collects candy, you can discreetly swap out potentially unsafe treats with those you’ve brought along. This allows your child to participate in the fun without the risk of an allergic reaction. Another option is to seek out neighborhoods or events that participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Homes displaying a teal pumpkin offer non-food treats, such as stickers, small toys, or glow sticks, which are safe for all children, including those with food allergies. You can also encourage your community to join this initiative by spreading the word and offering non-food treats at your own home. Our neighbors are very understanding, and we say that my son has a peanut allergy – many times they have an alternative (otherwise we decline and thank them – no hard feelings).
3. Organize or Attend Allergy-Friendly Halloween Events
If you’re concerned about your child’s exposure to allergens during Halloween, consider organizing or attending allergy-friendly events. Many communities, schools, and support groups host Halloween parties that cater to children with food allergies. These events often feature non-food activities like costume contests, pumpkin decorating, and games, ensuring that all children can participate safely. If organizing your own event, coordinate with other parents to create a fun and inclusive environment. You can provide a list of allergy-friendly treats and encourage participants to bring non-food items as well. This way, everyone can enjoy the festivities without the worry of accidental exposure to allergens. We are very fortunate to have a school Halloween festival, which includes non-food treats that the kids love. You know crayons and pencils can go a long way.
4. Check Candy Labels Carefully
After trick-or-treating, it’s essential to carefully inspect the candy your child collected. Many popular candies contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, soy, and gluten; and not all ingredients are always listed clearly. Watch out for treats that may have been manufactured in facilities that process allergens, as cross-contamination can pose a significant risk. Sort through the candy together, setting aside anything that’s potentially unsafe. You can then create a “safe” pile of treats that your child can enjoy. If your child is disappointed about giving up certain candies, consider doing a candy trade where they can exchange unsafe items for allergy-friendly alternatives or non-food rewards.
5. Have a Post-Halloween Plan
Even after Halloween night, managing your child’s candy consumption is important. Create a plan for how and when they may enjoy their treats, ensuring they only eat items from the safe pile. Some parents opt for a “Switch Witch” or similar tradition, where their child leaves their candy out at night in exchange for a special toy or gift, reducing the temptation to eat potentially unsafe candy. Involving your child in these plans helps them feel included and less deprived, making the experience positive rather than restrictive. Halloween can be a magical time for children, and with thoughtful planning, it can be safe and enjoyable for those with food allergies too. By educating your child, planning, and creating allergy-friendly experiences, you can help them fully participate in the holiday festivities without fear. Remember, the goal is to ensure that Halloween remains a time of fun and excitement, not stress and worry.
Happy Halloween!