If Halloween gives you the fear for all the wrong reasons, we’re here to help. Despite the focus on sweet treats, here are our tricks to make sure everyone has fun!
TOP TIPS FOR TRICK-OR-TREATING WITH FOOD ALLERGIES
1. Remind your child that not all the treats will be suitable or safe, to try to manage their expectations.
2. Ask your child to choose wrapped treats, so you can check the labels and ingredients later at home.
3. Buy your own safe treats to avoid disappointment if there aren’t many suitable foods for your child.
4. Build excitement around Halloween toys and dressing up, rather than focusing on food.
5. Remember to carry wipes and medication (including two AAIs if prescribed) while you’re out and about.
6. Ask the “Switch Witch” to cast a spell! In other words, ask your child to leave the sweets they collected trick-or-treating outside their bedroom door and then exchange them for a toy or allergy-friendly treats by morning.
If you’re feeling really anxious and are planning on heading out locally, why not speak to your friends and neighbours in advance. You could ask them to have some allergy-friendly treats or non-food treats available or drip off your own.
We’ve also created this handy Halloween checklist to help families who don’t like with allergies understand how they can be more inclusive with their Halloween celebrations. Feel free to share it!