It is hard to predict what will come in the Halloween treat bags. Perhaps the child has a food allergy, such as peanuts. Perhaps the child is autistic and on a gluten-free diet. Parents must have a plan to trade the treats.
Trade Candy Allergy Treats
There are lots of reasons that parents do not want their kids to have every treat in the Halloween bag. Perhaps the child is very young, and some of the candy is gum. Perhaps some of the candy is hard, and the parents are afraid the child will choke. The top of the list in Halloween safety is child safety. If treats in the bag are things the child is allergic to, there must be a plan.
One alternative is to trade treats. Perhaps a sibling is not allergic to the same things. Coordinate a trading activity where the kids can exchange candy so that each can eat the goodies that are left in his bag.
Cash in Treats for Activities
Regardless of needing to avoid gluten, chocolate, peanuts, or other allergy-linked foods, parents do not necessarily want their child to eat everything that is collected, even over time. A little candy goes a long way. Consider a treats-for-activities plan. Assign a number to desired activities such as TV or computer time. Allow the child to buy time by using the specified number of treats.
Avoid Allergy Stops
Perhaps the easiest way to avoid treats related to allergies is to pick and choose the stops. Plan to Trick-or-Treat only at homes that are aware of the child’s dietary needs. Grandparents and selected neighbors and friends will be sure to offer appropriate treats. If the selected homes are not sure which treats are okay, provide them with a list or with a variety of the actual treats. There will be no need to deal with peanuts or gluten. It won’t be in the bag to start!
Make Candy Companies Aware of Special Diets
The number of children and adults with special diet needs is increasing. Use this opportunity to contact candy companies, urging them to make safe alternatives. It will build their business, but the real winners will be the kids who are free to enjoy the same things that their peers have.
Halloween does not have to be a time to avoid because of food allergies. Plan the treats; plan the stops; and have a backup plan for any allergy-related treats that make it into the bag.
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