Halloween Doesn't Have to Be Scary for Kids With Food...(go around to your neighbors and explain ...),Health

In addition to directing their child to homes they have confirmed in advance will have a treat without the allergen, parents can maintain control by hosting a party in their home where they not only have allergen-free food, but also can emphasize costumes and activities to minimize the focus on candy.

Distracting children from eating the candy is a goal shared by many parents--not only those whose children suffer from food allergy. Another way to achieve this is to offer children the option to trade their candy for a toy, small amounts of money, or a special activity with Mom or Dad.

Last but not least, parents of food allergy children can often find assistance to navigate holidays and other potentially harmful situations through local support and advocacy groups for food allergy sufferers.

One such group, Food Allergy Initiative-Northwest (http://www.faiusa.org/?page=northwest), for which Porter serves as the regional representative, offers resources for Washington families and educators seeking information about food allergy. The organization is also actively working to increase awareness and expand education about the dangers of food allergy--in classrooms, hospitals and with civic leaders.

Every parent worries about their child's safety, especially on Halloween. Whether implementing these ideas or some of their own, parents can create new traditions that will ensure their food-allergic children will enjoy Halloween as much as other kids while remaining safe.

SOURCE Food Allergy Initiative-Northwest