Halloween and food allergies
My kids are past the trick-or-treating age, but food allergies are still on my mind a lot, with my son continuing a gluten-free and dairy-free “experiment” to see if it will clear up his persistent nausea. With Halloween coming up, I’m wondering how difficult it must be for those kids with food allergies to enjoy the fun. (I know, I know, they should all want to get toothbrushes instead of candy … but that’s another story.) The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) just posted this helpful checklist to help your allergy-needs child enjoy the holiday without getting sick. Among the ideas:
–Before Halloween, distribute safe snacks to neighbors and request that they be handed out to your child.
–Instead of trick-or-treating, host a party that focuses on costumes, pumpkin carving, games and other Halloween-themed fun.
–Remember that small candy bars passed out to trick-or-treaters may have different ingredients than their regular-size counterparts. Even if a certain candy is safe for your child, the ‘fun size’ version might not be.
–Teach your child to politely refuse offers of home-baked goodies like cookies or cupcakes.
–Consider participating in a charity trick-or-treat event to raise money for a good cause, rather than collect candy.
What other ideas do you have for helping kids during the Halloween craze?
Related Topics: Well-being, Food, Kids and Family, Health, Nutrition, From the Editors
