Kids are getting ready for Halloween — with costumes, parties and trick-or-treating plans. If you are the parent of a child with food allergies, you’re probably preparing too. Here are some tips for parents getting ready for Halloween.
Family Projects
- Teal pumpkins are a symbol of allergy awareness, and you can turn them into fun craft projects! There are lots of crafty ideas on Pinterest.
- Talk with your child about Halloween. Pick a quiet time when you are both relaxed (rather than in the heat of planning or when you’re heading out the door).
- When you talk, model the “careful, not fearful” approach, staying positive while highlighting the big rules — like carrying their epinephrine auto-injector.
- Download and post Teal Pumpkin window signs and posters.
Parties
- Consider hosting a party this Halloween for your child and friends. This can be a great way to celebrate for kids as well as teens.
- Plan the party activities together.
- If you are serving treats, contact the parents of your child’s friends to ask about allergies as well.
Trick-or-treating
- Now is a great time to double-check that your child’s auto-injectors are up-to-date. Get fresh batteries for the flashlight your child will carry too.
- Talk to neighbours about your child’s food allergies. Some parents meet neighbours ahead of time and give them safe treats to hand out.
- Agree on rules with your child now (for example, that no candy is eaten until they are back home).
What to do with the loot
- Some parents do a “switch witch”, where kids leave their treats overnight and parents exchange them for a new toy. Make a date to go to the store so your child can pick out what they’d like.
- If your child is keeping treats that need to be sorted out, plan to do it together. This is a great time to show confidence in your child as they learn.
What is the Teal Pumpkin Project™?
Launched as a national campaign in the U.S. by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) in 2014, the Teal Pumpkin Project™ raises awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.
This year, Food Allergy Canada is proud to support this initiative by providing Canadian families with resources and information that they can use to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project™ campaign. Through this international initiative, families are encouraged to place a teal pumpkin in front of their home to show they have non-food treats available for children with food allergies.
When you participate, you are helping the whole community by raising awareness. Thank you!!
Learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project ™
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Tags: Halloween