It's been awhile since I have written about nut allergies. If you've been reading this blog you might know that my oldest as a severe peanut allergy. This is no sensitivity, but a show stopping, call 911 situation, and thankfully, I haven't had to think about it much lately.
Now that we are entering the holiday season (I actually saw a Xmas tree in someone's window the other day-- no joke!), I need to remind myself to be more vigilant about keeping her safe. Of course, we want her to have fun, and not feel stressed about Halloween, either. Here are some ideas for how to make Halloween less stressful for families of nut allergic children.
1. Vet parties. If you are attending any parties or events this Halloween, try to contact the host to touch base about the food that will be present. Hopefully, it will be someone who already knows your child and the situation. If there are peanuts or other nuts out at a party, ask if you can move (or remove) them. If it is a community event, then be sure to carry your epi-pen and discuss with your child that he or she is not to eat anything without talking to you first.
2. Carry the epi-pen wherever you go this season. This bears repeating-- it is so easy to forget.
3. Plan for trick or treating. Remind your child (and those trick or treating with her) not to open and eat candy during trick or treating. Have a stash of safer candy, or better yet, non-food items to trade for the candy, such as stickers, art supplies, or small toys.
4. Ask about homemade foods. We love homemade treats, and encourage non-processed food. But there is a risk of cross contamination or of unintentional exposure.
5. Wash hands often. Everyone! That includes mom and dad who dip into offending candy and then kiss their kiddos good night. And having your allergic child wash often prevents potential exposure from other kids eating candy, and will keep them healthier overall, too.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Halloween. And Happy 3rd Birthday to Non-Toxic Kids! Here was my very first post, almost three years ago, exactly. There is still so much to talk about. Thanks for reading, for commenting, and for being part of the Non-Toxic Kids community.
