For parents, the scariest part of Halloween may be when the kids come home, take off their costumes and start piling up candy. How much does your child end up eating? Will you let your child eat them all like Cookie Monster, or will you swipe the candy away like Casper the Friendly Ghost?
You’re not alone in your doubts. Many parents have these questions. But know that it is possible to support your children with a balanced, healthy diet while still enjoying Halloween fun.
As with any food, even candy, moderation is key. Research shows that over-restricting certain foods can lead to increased thoughts about that food or obsessions about that food. This may be true not only for sweets but also for foods that are strictly controlled.
Strategies for cutting back on Halloween candy
Remember, your goal is to create a neutral feeling toward the pile of candy after trick-or-treating. The most important thing to keep in mind is that each child is an individual and will react differently to sweet treats.
Here are some tips for staying neutral.
Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.
When parents use food in this way, it is no longer associated with neutral emotions and the child may become more focused on that particular food. For example, instead of saying, “Get dressed so I can go get some candy,” you could say, “Let’s get dressed and show off your cool costume.” Or instead of telling your child, “If the crown falls off and you don’t stop crying, you won’t be able to eat the candy,” consider something like this: Switch it up with this cool headband. ”
Take cues from your kids.
Some children may not be very interested in sweets and just enjoy getting noticed by wearing costumes. If your child is not concentrating on the candy, don’t draw their attention to the candy. Instead, indulge in non-food excitement. For example, if you and your child are going to a Halloween party, encourage your child to do activities like face painting and games.
Teach moderation the same way you teach other life skills.
Rather than overly restricting snacks, have your child consider saving some candy to last several days. I recommend taking your time and savoring each bite. Make sure your child understands that candy is only fun while it’s in their mouth. Ask questions to get your child thinking about candy. “What do you like best?” Do you prefer chewy or crunchy? Are there any types you don’t like? If your child doesn’t like a certain type of candy, ask them to consider giving it away or throwing it in the trash instead of eating it just because it’s available.
Let your child choose how much candy to eat.
Your child may choose an amount that makes you sigh just thinking about the sugar content, but there is long-term value in letting your child help you make that decision. When given the choice, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that your child doesn’t eat as much at once as you expected.
Once your child has eaten all the candy, use it as a teaching moment.
Make sure your child understands that eating too much at once can cause discomfort. The next time the sweets pile up, gently remind them that they might want to slow down and consider saving some for later.
relax.
Remember that one day or one meal is unlikely to affect your child’s diet. Your child will not suddenly become malnourished. It’s precisely the long-term habits you teach that can promote a healthy diet and relationship with food.
Creative treats for trick-or-treaters
When it comes to treats to hand out to ghosts and goblins who knock on your door, consider non-food items as well. This approach prevents you from ending the night with leftover candy at home and teaches your child that not all children like candy. Some children may have food allergies or intolerances, or sensory disorders that make them not interested in candy. Distributing non-food items shifts the focus from the sweets to the event itself. Consider pencils, light-up rings, snap bracelets, fidgets, and other trinkets and toys that will make your event fun and more inclusive.
There’s no perfect way to handle Halloween candy, and kids of all ages and stages can face unique challenges. The good news is that there are many strategies for teaching kids about temperance, not just with Halloween candy, but with other special events that focus on food. Encouraging moderation is a journey that develops over time.
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