Treats to watch out for

Halloween is quickly approaching, so this week I'm going to share some of my favorite activities, but I also want to share some safety tips that are helpful for teachers, parents, and anyone that will be spending this holiday with young children.

Halloween is all about sweet treats, so candy and snacks tend to appear out of thin air.  One thing to remember when celebrating with the youngest children is that many common Halloween snacks can also be choking hazards.  So whether you are indulging in sweets or trying to stay healthy, here are some foods to watch out for;

• Popcorn
• Jolly Ranchers
• Jawbreakers
• Hard Candy
• Gum and Gumballs
• Nuts
• Grapes
• Blueberries
• Hot Dogs
• Marshmallows
• Pixie stix (Seriously - too much powder can get lodged in the throat)
• Laffy Taffy and other sticky candies
• Gummies

There are also some non-food items that you want to watch out for, especially during parties and holiday events, such as:

• Pennies and coins
• Balloons
• Small Toys (like party favors)
• Bouncy Balls

This doesn't mean that you should ban all of these things from the classroom, it's all about proper supervision. Make sure that you are able to sit with children while they are eating so that you can be right there in the event of an emergency, and brush up on your first aid and CPR. Look into your state's licensing regulations and make sure that any rules relating to choking hazards are followed. And last but not least, share this information with your parents and families so that they can be informed and aware.