Stress Free School Halloween Parties

Halloween kicks off the start of the holiday parties as far as your little ghouls in school are concerned. As they get stoked about showing off their costumes to friends and letting “the wild rumpus start”, parents get to be the ever practical ones... and worry.

What if they get the wrong treats? What about cross contamination? What if they get stuck in their costume and can’t go to the bathroom?!

Well, there’s nothing I can say to help with the bathroom thing, but the rest can be easy to overcome. I know, Easy? It’s true! Even the most recent members of the gluten free elite can send their sweetums off to school and relax on the big day. It’s all about the prep work.

Love the Lists

If you haven’t become best friends with your child’s teacher yet, now is the perfect time! Schedule a meeting and show up with a black and orange lollipop (not necessary, but a nice touch). Hand that teacher a stack of to eat or not to eat lists and discuss your concerns. Include:

• A list of ingredients to avoid

• A current Halloween candy list

• Any other information you’ve found helpful.

Believe it or not, the teacher is as worried as you are. Nothing puts a damper on the Halloween festivities like making a child under your care sick. They want the same security you do, and it’s pretty guaranteed that they’ll be helpful.

Share and Share Alike

Now that both you and the teacher are fully fortified with information, get the kids on board. Most schools encourage parents to send treats for the Halloween party. New legislation means that all foods must be pre-packaged and include an ingredients label. Have your child pick out their favorite gluten free goodies to share with their class. Now you have also achieved Celiac Awareness!

This is great for the kids. It’s the one time where the food is not “special” for them. Imagine a classroom full of costumed cuties all snacking on gluten free eats, and your baby is right there with them. Gives me warm fuzzies to think about it.

A Few More Tidbits

Now we look from a teacher’s point of view at the situation. After having my own classroom to contend with on party days, there are a few bits of information I can’t wait to share with any parents out there who still have lingering doubts.

1. They may be your children “in real life”, but I haven’t met a teacher yet that doesn’t refer to their class as “my kids”. This means that they will love and care for your child to the best of their abilities, even in special cases.

2. The main goal on party days is to maintain control, especially on Halloween. The costumes seem to do something to the brains of the little ones... The last thing a teacher wants is a room full of wild things on a sugar high. They do their best to monitor what and how much the children eat.

3. Teachers don’t like sticky. True fact! Sticky hands and desks are not ok. Especially if the class is a big one. Send in some wet wipes with your child and not only will the teacher love you, but you will cut down the cross contamination factor.

Let the Wild Rumpus Start!

I hope I have given you enough to go on to relax a bit while your child enjoys their party. Fact is, I haven’t been gluten free very long myself. Last year I panicked over every new Halloween decoration that went up in the neighborhood, it was like a countdown. The questions loomed bigger and bigger...

Not this year, my friends. This year I’ve done my Halloween prep work and have every intention of donning a costume to enjoy the rumpus myself. I just hope I don’t get stuck in the bathroom.