Military Special Needs Network
Proudly Supporting all Military Families with a Special Needs Dependent
Happy Food Allergy Friendly Halloween!
It’s the time of year that use to make my anxiety rise as a food allergy mama. The time of year when our little ones can dress as anything they want and get candy for it. The day that everything focuses around candy. Oh that beautiful allergen-filled candy! Many people worry about tooth aches and over hyper children, as I worry about how to include my child safely so that we don’t meet the newest ER Doc at Naval.
Over the years I have perfected a few tricks that seem to work rather well for my daughter. Most FA (Food Allergy) families know many of these, but for you newly diagnosed parents I will share in my knowledge with hopes that it will bring some wacky delights this Halloween.
Tips for FA families
- TAKE YOUR EPI PENS and any other medications! (As if I even had to tell y’all that!)
- Keep a watchful eye on the kids to make sure that they do not eat any candy along the route.
- Make sure you have your cell phone on your and it is fully charged.
- Take wipes to wipe off their hands increase they have come in contact with any allergen.
- Have “safe” candy back at the house ready to switch out for the “unsafe” candy. I always let my daughter help me pick out the candy before hand so that I know she will be excited to switch them out.
- Drop off some safe candy at a few of the houses on your route before hand.
- Check all of the labels. Fun sizes can be different than the regular sizes. If you are unsure then just trade it out.
- Focus this time on why you enjoy Halloween. Remind them that Halloween isn’t all about the candy but having fun with friends and dressing up.
- If you chose not to take them trick or treating this would be a great night to plan a special family night activity.
Tips for FA friends
- Pick out several different types of candy that don’t have at least one of the top 8 allergens in them. This will allow options for FA kids.
- Have small toys or something else to let kids pick from. This way no matter what they get a special treat. Plus you earn cool points for having something different. I always buy party bag toys since I can get a lot for cheaper cost.
- Let the child pick out their treat.
Now that you have some ideas how to manage this night a little easier enjoy watching your child run around with their friends as you chase after them secretly planning on which candy you will sneak when they go to bed. Happy Halloween!
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