I'm just saying you could offer both, as I did this year. Normal candy and non-food treats (like bouncy balls, glow sticks, stickers, mini yoyos etc.). It's totally a choice. As a mom of a kid with severe allergies, I was still very grateful for all the treats, and the whole fun of trick-or-treating - and when she gets older I'll trade her with things she can have (so nut candy will be like currency). In no way should people be forced to accommodate, I just think it's nice to accommodate if you can! If one in every 15 houses had a non-food treat as a substitute, wouldn't that be a fun surprise. The idea is to make it fun for as many kids as you can.

That's fair. Thanks Miss Cellania. I think there is sense/merit in the sentiment that the parent is responsible for protecting and educating the child first and foremost - and to not feeling entitled. Second, I believe it is good to lead by example and offer non-food treats if you are so inclined - and with the hope that it catches on.

I'm saddened at these attitudes of refusing to accommodate. Perhaps we should let smoking back in restaurants as well. Of course, it is an individual choice as to whether you decide to be inclusive on Halloween for the growing number of anaphylactic children. You can also choose to ignore the poster. It was a suggestion, and I don't see how it is so offensive. On the other hand, a child not being able to participate in Halloween is sad.

Between the poster and the deadly substance being handed out to children, I see the poster as the lesser evil.

If your child had a fatal allergy from nuts, my guess is that you would feel differently. Until you see your baby have a fast life threatening allergic reaction it is difficult to take seriously. Please put yourself in that parent's shoes. Or that child's shoes. This Halloween, I offered generous handfuls of food treats (chocolate) and put out a teal pumpkin to signal that I also had non-food treats. There is no harm in being inclusive. There is harm in an attitude dismissive of a life threatening allergy that affects children.