Between all the costumes, festivities, and of course, candy, trick-or-treating is a favorite activity for many families. For parents of children with food allergies, however, it may not be a “treat.” In fact, it can be downright scary.
Some of the most common food allergens like milk, nuts, wheat, soy and eggs are used in the manufacturing of many popular candies. This means that lots of little ones can’t enjoy these treats, and may be in danger if exposed to them.
To make matters more confusing, some bite-sized candies may not have a full nutrition label for parents to read. To ensure that candies are free of allergens, it’s important to fully read ingredient lists and check online if all ingredients are not listed on the packaging.
If you’re worried that traditional trick-or-treating may put your child at risk, there are other ways to join the fun, allergen-free! Avoid a frightful time with these five tips:
- Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project®. This program spreads awareness of food allergies in your neighborhood and community. Placing a teal pumpkin outside your home signifies an all-inclusive trick-or-treating experience and that your house has non-food treats available. Since there are so many different food allergies, non-food treats are the safest choice. Plus, kids love them! Think glow bracelets, fake mustaches, pencils, stickers, erasers and more.
- Host a fall party. Playing host allows you to be in control of food options. Not only can you serve food that is safe for your children, but you can create fun activities that divert attention away from candy. Maybe this can be the start of a fun annual tradition, too.
- Set ground rules. Make sure your child knows that she should always ask you before opening or eating any candy. Also stress that sharing candy with others is not okay without asking a parent first.
- Sort the candy. Once the trick-or-treating is over, help your child sort the candy into what is safe to eat and what is not safe to eat. Be sure to carefully read all labels!
- Trade or donate unsafe candy. A toy or prize can be traded for the candy, or the Switch Witch can also make an appearance. The leftover candy can be donated within your community or to our troops as part of Operation Gratitude.
More than just a cute puppet..
moreLet go of "Parent Guilt"
moreDe-Stressing and Spending Quality Time with Your Kids
more6 Ways to Help Your Preschooler Make Friends
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreIt's Hot Out There! Summer Skin Care Tips for Your Child
moreHow Working Parents Stay Connected with Their Kids During the Summer
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrimrose Reviews from Real Moms
moreDo you have a "Threenager"? Confessions from the Mom of a Threenager
moreBattle Bedwetting with These 4 Tips!
moreKid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes & Crafts
moreParent Testimonial
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHow Primrose Differs from Montessori
moreCelebrate Back to School with these 5 Crafts & Activities!
more5 Family Staycation Ideas!
moreParent Review of Primrose School of Ken Caryl
more5 Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July at Home
moreParent Review of Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreMy Kid is Turning into a Bully! How Do I Stop it?
moreDon't Pass the Phone: 7 Alternatives to Screen Time
moreOne Size Does Not Fit All - Tips for Raising Siblings by Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreYelp & FB - Parent Reviews of Primrose Ken Caryl
moreStraight from the Source: Why Moms Love SwimLabs Littleton
moreParent Reviews of The Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHow to Ask About Your Child's Art
moreParent Testimonials
moreHow to Survive Toddler Tantrums - Pointers for Parents
moreReturning to Work After Maternity Leave
moreParent Review Primrose School of Ken Caryl - YELP
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHoliday Gift Guide for Ages 0-5
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreKid-Friendly Thanksgiving Decorations & Crafts
moreHow to Handle Food Allergies During Trick-or-Treating
more4 Simple Ways to Protect Your Family Against Cold & Flu Season
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrep Step: What to Pack in Case of a Disaster?
moreParent Facebook Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePositive Parenting Tips and Scripts
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreFacebook Parent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreSnacktivity 101 - Healthy and quick Banana Fruit Sushi
morePreschool Classrooms at the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrimrose School of Ken Caryl - Highly Recommended
moreHow to Prepare Your Child For Riding a Bike
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
more4 Reasons Why Reading to Babies is Beneficial
moreStart Your Child's Story the Right Way
more5 Ways to Involve Your Child in Household Chores
moreParent Review - The Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreThe Power of Toddler Compliments
more