There are so many ‘sweet’ temptations this time of year. Unfortunately, much of this Halloween candy is very cheaply produced, and not like the usual treats you might allow your kids to enjoy.

However, we want them to still have fun going “trick or treat” in the condo, around the neighborhood, and at fun dress-up parties. To avoid the sugar and chemical overload, try some of these proven tips:

1. Give kids a healthy meal or snack before they head out to ‘trick or treat,’ or leave for the Halloween Party.
2. Explain that a lot of the candy made for Halloween is cheap, mass produced and full of color and other chemicals.
3. Suggest your kids pick a few pieces of the ‘better quality’ chocolate to enjoy, or trade some of what they collected for healthier treats you have at home.
4. Agree that if they throw out all the unhealthy candy, they can have extra computer or television time instead, or whatever they perceive as a ‘win-win’ solution.
5. No need to donate the cheap candy to a school or charity. The underprivileged and other kids don’t need the junk either.

Simply take a breath, open the garbage lid and dump it all in. With satisfaction. 🙂

6. After the kids have enjoyed a few pieces, put the rest away and out of reach.
7. Explain, and agree with your kids, that they can have a piece every day to enjoy or take on a play-date, or whatever you agree is fair.
8. Finally, focus more on the fun side - dressing up in fun costumes, telling ghost stories, Halloween games, and less on the candy.

For 'trick or treat' kids that come to your door, let’s keep them healthy, too. There are lots of options to handing out cheap candy - perhaps healthier treats, a non-edible surprise like stickers, balloons, spider rings, Halloween pencils, erasers.. the possibilities are endless!

Just keeping you, your child, your doctor, and your dentist happy 🙂

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