Use the Freezer for Halloween Candy
Halloween is a great holiday for children. It is exciting for kids to dress up. It is fun to go door to door and get treats. Many organizations and cities also offer a trunk or treat options where parents and children gather go from car to car. Most people take great care to decorate the cars. The children take home a true treasure of treats.. Then the parenting nightmare begins.*PreparationMake sure the children know that there is a plan for the candy. Let them know that they won’t be allowed to eat all the candy they bring home. There will be other plans for some of the candy. A little forehand knowledge helps to ease the transition of the candy when it comes home.Make sure the child eats a full and healthy meal before trick of treating. Let the child know that the candy will need to be checked and sorted before they get to eat any. (Even if one trusts every house they go to, candy may be damaged or children may have allergies.)*Alternate uses for candyIt is important to never use candy as a reward for behavior. Use other concrete items that are not associated with food. This way the child never believes they “deserve” the candy.Many dentists now do a trade for Halloween candy. Some trade a pound of candy for flavored floss and toothbrushes. Some dentists buy the candy from children at a $1.00 per pound. See what options may be available.This is a great a time to teach children about sharing and service. Pack up the candy and take it to a care center. Meet with dietitian and see who will be able to receive candy and help the children deliver the treat. Shelters and food banks may be able and willing to accept wrapped candy as well.Set up a prize store. Purchase several small prizes and allow the children to buy the prizes with their candy. A coloring book may be priced at three pieces of candy. A ball may be worth six pieces of candy. (Parents can then decide if they should freeze the candy, give it away, or throw it away.)*Divide and conquerSeparate out the candy and divide it into weekly servings. They may have seven pieces for the week and when they choose to eat it is up to them. If it hasn’t been eaten by weeks end then it goes away.Children are also able to trade a packet for another weekly treat, like a smoothie or a fruit or vegetable snack they may enjoy.It is clear that there are many options and parents can find one that works in their family situation. The children can still participate and have fun without fights and over indulgence.
