As parents of children with type 1 diabetes, we can empathize with parents of children with food allergies. This is why D-Mom Blog supports the Teal Pumpkin Project to notify parents and their kids that we have non-candy Halloween treats.
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“Every child should be able to experience the joy and tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween. But kids with food allergies are often left out of the fun, since most candy is off limits.”
Sound familiar?
The first Halloween after a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can be particularly tough on both the child and her parents. The d-kid can’t just eat a bunch of candy with wild abandon. Kids on multiple daily injections (MDI) might have to get an extra injection if they are eating their Halloween candy outside of a normal mealtime. And getting an extra injection isn’t exactly fun!
Our family has long been a proponent of non-candy treats, even before Q was diagnosed with diabetes. We have fun picking out non-candy toys and trinkets to hand out. And we usually stock up when leftovers are on deep discount the first week of November.
That being said, we do not deprive our d-kid of candy. All things in moderation. It’s made a little easier with the insulin pump. And it’s even better when he adds the candy to a meal because it might not spike blood sugar as high. (Read the post Don’t Get Spooked…tips for navigating Halloween with type 1 diabetes or food allergies.) We even stash away high sugar candies like Skittles and Smarties to treat low blood sugars.
So why do I think all of us d-moms and d-dads should support the Teal Pumpkin Project even though our kids with diabetes can eat candy (with insulin to cover it, of course!)?
Because we get it.
We totally get what it’s like to have a child with a life-threatening medical condition. We totally get that some kids can’t put something in their mouths without parent approval (for us it’s for carb count, for a child with food allergies it’s to make sure it’s safe). We totally get the stress that special occasions can bring … even though they are supposed to be fun!
So let’s tell the kids with food allergies (and their worried parents!) that we’ve got their back this Halloween.
More Info…
Teal Pumpkin Project Website
15+ Non-Candy Ideas for Trick-Or-Treating and Halloween Parties
Don’t Get Spooked…Tips for Navigating Halloween With Type 1 Diabetes or Food Allergies
Here’s a great video explaining the Teal Pumpkin Project:
(Originally posted 10/16. Updated 10/21.)
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