Webley says there are ways parents can help their children prepare for and manage the deluge of candy that comes with trick-or-treating. But, she cautions, parents should not make a big deal of it either way, or it will cause anxiety to both parent and child.
Here are some suggestions for dealing with the Halloween candy deluge: Be consistent with healthy snacks and meals around Halloween. Make sure you continue to offer the healthy options first, then reward children with a treat.
As soon as you return from trick-or-treating, separate out the candy your children don’t like and just throw it in the garbage so there is less temptation. Or, you can donate it to agencies that ship candy overseas to our service men and women. *** Halloween Candy Buy Back***
It’s OK to offer your child one or two pieces a day, but offer it with a healthy snack first. Candy is not nutritionally balanced or even satisfying as a snack.
Think about where you keep the candy. Out of sight is out of mind, but do not hide it. Candy s hould not be forbidden.
After a few weeks, when children tend to focus less on the candy, you can start to throw it out in the garbage for good.
Increase your child’s level of physical activity to make up for the extra caloric intake. Take more walks or bike rides around this time.
Consider giving out nonfood treats such as dollar store favors, stickers or bags of pretzels and popcorn.
Put your Halloween candy in the freezer so it can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Don’t buy candy too far in advance of Halloween or during post-holiday sales or you will be tempted to eat it around non-holiday periods.
You can make better choices about candy. Think of miniatures and those with lower fat content (peppermint patties vs. Snickers, for example).
— Information provided by Spectrum Health and the Grand Rapids Press
