The stores have had the shelves stocked for weeks now and the decorations are being pulled out of storage – Halloween will be here before we know it. It can be a dreaded time for parents with the influx of candy in the home. Trying to regulate the sugar intake of your little ones who are excited by their bounty may be difficult so here are some tips for ensuring a healthier Halloween for you and your family.
- Go Teal. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a way for others to consider that not all children are allowed to enjoy the candy that is distributed during Halloween, like those with allergies. Reduce the risk of having leftover candy after Halloween passes by going Teal. You can distribute glow sticks, stickers, temporary tattoos, pencils, or other little goodies to benefit the needs of others and reduce the amount of candy in your own home.
- Make Ground Rules. Before Halloween night comes and goes, discuss with your little ones the rules of eating their bounty of candy, such as only one piece a night or after permission.
- Do A Treat Exchange. In order to reduce the candy consumption in your post-Halloween household, you could take part in a treat exchange or turn in. You can offer a toy, game, book, or even an app download in exchange for a certain amount of candy. There are also several Halloween candy buyback programs that collect excess candy that are commonly held by local dentists.
- Schedule Limited Trick or Treat Times. Avoid trick or treating towards the end of the night. That’s when other parents are attempting to off-load as much candy as possible to reduce the amount of excess candy in their own home.
- Eat Well. The day of Halloween, ensure your kids eat three full protein-based meals before heading out for candy collecting. Having a full belly will help to cut back on the desire to snack on candy while trick-or-treating.
- Candy For Dinner! Well, not exactly… Having a piece of candy at the same time as a regular meal will help reduce the risk of tooth decay. The acids and sugar in candy has a better chance of washing away with the saliva and drinks consumed at dinner time. Eating a piece of candy by itself can leave bits of it stuck in your children’s teeth. If you do allow them a piece outside of meal time, have them swish some water around in their mouth to help reduce the risk of candy residue.
