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Halloween can be a scary time - especially for parents of children with allergies. One in thirteen children have a potentially life-threatening food allergy. Whether that’s peanuts, wheat, eggs, or another allergen, Halloween candy can feel like a minefield of possible dangers. Here are some tips to make the holiday the fun type of spooky, not one that will leave children feeling left out, sad, or worse, sick.

Set expectations ahead of time

Kids are often happier and better behaved when they know what to expect when entering a situation. Trick-or-treating with kids with allergies makes this general rule even more true. Figure out what your game plan will be for trick-or-treating and walk your child through it several times before you get to the first door. For some children, a practice run might be helpful. Enlist some of your neighbors or friends to do a pre-Halloween enactment of how the actual night should go.

Look for the teal pumpkins

The Teal Pumkin Project started in 2012 as a way to help families with allergies trick or treat safely on Halloween. The idea is to a teal pumpkin signifies that a house is offering nonfood treats in addition to candy on Halloween night. If you want to plan in advance, the Teal Pumpkin Project website has an interactive map feature where families can post where they will be handing out safe goodies. While the Teal Pumpkin Project started in Tennessee, it has spread to all 50 states. Check to see if your community participates, or spearhead your own Teal Pumpkin initiative in your neighborhood! Painting a pumpkin teal could be a fun activity to do with your kids before Halloween, or you can download a sign from their website to put outside instead.

Start a new bewitching tradition

Instead of worrying about the candy as your child is receiving it, you could make a fun tradition of switching out candy for non-food prizes overnight. Similar to the Elf on the Shelf, some families have started hosting a “Switch Witch” at their houses during the Halloween season. After kids are done trick-or-treating, they can leave the candy they can’t eat or don’t want for the Switch Witch, who substitutes it for an exciting prize. This practice doesn’t single out the kiddos with allergies. Your other children can also participate and it may result in less sugar being eaten by all the children - a win-win all around! Younger children with allergies may need help separating out the pieces they can’t eat but older kids can likely do this on their own. If you’re worried about the candy becoming too inter-mixed, you could carry a switch witch bag on Halloween in addition to the regular trick or treat carrier. Possibly problematic candy could be put straight into that bag to worry about at a later time, whereas definitely safe candy or nonfood treats could go in the regular carrier.

How do you handle allergies on holidays?

Nature Scavenger Hunt:

Equip your little explorers with a list of fall items to find, from acorns to pinecones. It’s a delightful way to teach them about nature while getting some exercise.

Pumpkin Relay Races:

Instead of carving, use those pumpkins for some friendly competition. Kids can race while balancing a small pumpkin on their heads or passing it back and forth.

Fall Hikes:

Explore local trails adorned with autumn colors. Hiking is great for cardiovascular health and offers a serene way to connect with nature

Outdoor Art:

Collect fallen leaves, twigs, and seeds to create nature-inspired art pieces. This activity encourages creativity while enhancing fine motor skills.

Kite Flying:

The breezy fall weather is perfect for flying kites. It’s a joyful way to get kids running and enhances their hand-eye coordination.

By introducing these autumnal activities, you’re ensuring your kids remain active, healthy, and connected to the beauty of the season. So, put on those cozy sweaters and embark on some unforgettable fall adventures!

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