For those of us with older children, who have done Halloween and food allergies for year’s, habits start to form. It’s not as scary (though we’re still vigilant), the kids start to take more responsibility and things get just a little easier. However, with younger children, some who may be trick or treating for the first time, or with a newly diagnosed allergy, Halloween night may be a scary time.

Here are a few more tips to go by to try to make your night, and this week, easier:

• Review in age appropriate ways your child’s responsibilities with him or her. Even it’s as simple as “Don’t eat anything without checking with Mommy first,” it will help instill the importance before anyone gets caught up in the Halloween excitement.
• Remind teachers and caregivers of your child’s allergy. At this time of year, and for the next couple of months, more treats are given out than usual. Whether it’s for a class party, or a teacher treat to her class, remind everyone of what your child can and cannot have. You may want to refresh the supply of  “safe” treats that you’ve already sent in.
• Focus on the costumes and decorations of Halloween rather than the candy. The fact is, you can’t really get around the candy, but kids also get really excited about the decorations and their costumes. My younger daughter seems actually more excited this year about those things than candy.
• Focus on non-food treats, too. Work with your teacher to phase out the food and phase in other objects for parties. You can get spider rings or Halloween pencils, or make ghosts out of trash bags and tennis balls to hang outside. There are tons of inexpensive trinkets to use instead of candy, and it supports the healthy initiatives many schools are undertaking these days.
• Take wipes with you on Halloween. Kids like to eat along the way (so do a  few grown ups I know) and you want to make sure no allergens  have gotten on their hands. You may also want to take a few safe pieces of candy with you so you don’t need to try to figure out what’s safe and what’s not as your out in the dark and the excitement.
• Some parents of younger kids will put a note on their child’s costume or trick or treat bag, saying something like “No Nuts, I’m allergic.”
• Of course, when you get home, sort through and however you want to do it (throw it away, donate it, trade it out, have the treat fairy come) get rid of any candy that may cause a reaction in your child. Then have a bite of something safe and yummy!

Most of all – Have fun! Don’t make your child worry too much, and don’t worry too much yourself! Use all the things you always do and be safe! Happy Hauntings!