Each Halloween, we go through the same preparations as most
families. My kids decide that they want
to dress up like minions, zombies, trees, or even dishwashers. We put together costumes and feel great
about our creative juices at work. Even
though my children have food allergies, I allow them to trick or treat and
accept all that is given to them on Halloween. Once we are home, we go through the treats
with our children and teach them about the candy that has ingredients with
allergens. Next, we teach them about other treats that they should avoid. This includes
candies that lack ingredient labels or homemade items. This process is surprisingly devoid of tears
from my children despite that they are left with a fraction of their candy. It is still scary because their haul includes
plenty of treats that are harmful.
In an effort to help make Halloween less scary for children
with food allergies, my family is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project
lead by the Food Allergy Research and Awareness (FARE) group. This is a campaign to help raise awareness of
food allergies in our communities and to encourage people to offer non-food
treats on Halloween. Teal is the color for
food allergy awareness and by having painted, teal pumpkin on our porch,
families will know that we offer non-food treats.
I have a bucket full of non-food treats that includes themed
stickers, pencils, rings, and skeletons for Halloween. Our other bucket will
include items that are gluten, peanut, milk, and egg free.
Have fun,be safe, and stop by if you can!
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