By Chelsea Dicker, Ed.D
As a mom and a self-proclaimed candy lover, I look forward to Halloween as much as my 5-year-old does. But with food allergies in our home, I have learned that a smart plan is essential. Here are some tips to help your family enjoy a safe and happy Halloween.
- Be seen. Dusk arrives quickly, and drivers may not see children in the street. Choose light colors with reflective tape, add glow sticks, and flashlights.
- Choose costumes for comfort and safety. Look for well-fitting outfits without long capes or dragging hems that are tripping hazards. Select soft, flexible props and breathable fabrics for Arizona’s warm October evenings. Cozy character costumes, such as Bubbles the Elephant or Flexi Flamingo from Bubbles and Friends, are easy to move in and easy to spot.
- Stay alert. Masks can restrict sight. Consider non-toxic face paint, which should always be tested on skin before use. Remove masks before crossing the street. Stay on sidewalks, and if none, walk on the far edge of the road, facing traffic. Cross at street corners and never between parked cars. Remind children to walk, not run. Ensure their shoes are double knotted.
- Stay together. Children should always trick-or-treat with a trusted adult. Visit only well-lit homes, never enter a house or approach a vehicle, and choose a meeting spot in the event the group separates.
- Think about wildlife. Pumpkins can attract javelinas, coyotes, and other wildlife into neighborhoods. Give some thought to artificial pumpkins, or keeping real pumpkins elevated or inside near a window.
- Eat first and hydrate. A full dinner helps curb sugar cravings, and a water bottle goes a long way in Arizona’s climate.
- Potty first. A quick bathroom stop before you go can help avoid an inconvenient interruption while trick-or-treating.
- Plan for allergies. If food allergies are part of your family’s life, talk with your child’s pediatrician about what is appropriate to consume in your household. In our home, label-reading is a family habit. Look for porches displaying a teal pumpkin, which signals non-food treats such as stickers or glow sticks, and consider offering these yourself.
- Check, then sort the candy. Review the haul before anyone digs in. Set aside anything unwrapped or opened, and read labels carefully. For example, fun-size treats can differ from full-size versions. Then have fun with it. My daughter and I sort her (or more accurately, our) candy into piles of favorites, swaps, and save-for-later treats.
- Keep the spooky age-appropriate. Halloween shows can build excitement, but scary scenes may be too much for the little ones. Preview what you plan to watch, and look for friendly options, such as the Bubbles and Friends Halloween episode The Bat-Cat!
Picture it: Safe and sleepy kid(s), a sorted pile of treats, and a few favorites tucked away for you. With a little proactiveness, that sweet ending can be yours this Halloween.
About the Author
Dr. Chelsea Dicker is the Curriculum Director at The Learning Experience, where she leads curriculum development. She holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Manhattanville University and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from James Madison University. With more than a decade in education, Chelsea brings together hands-on classroom experience and organizational leadership to shape meaningful learning experiences for young children.
