Trick or Treating is something kids look forward to weeks in advance. Not only do children plan what costume they will wear to go to a Halloween party or to Trick or Treat, but they look forward to the candy and other goodies handed out at the places they visit. A big bag of candy for Halloween can give parents cause for concern, as most kids see this as an invitation to eat until there is no more. Hopefully, with careful planning, this can avoid conflict between kids and parents.
One of the best ideas I have heard regarding what to do with the bag of treats comes from one of my own daughters. She has her children take yarn and tie the candy into a long train. Each child makes their own train. She counts the days until Christmas before doing this, then the kids have their own counting method of “how many more days until Santa” as they get one piece per day on their countdown.
Having that extra candy can be a good way to teach sharing with the less fortunate. Kids who are hospitalized during Halloween or those going through chemo may not have the opportunity to Trick or Treat. Teach your children about these kids and talk with them about sharing their bounty. Social workers at hospitals that serve kids, or your local Ronald McDonald House are good places to begin if you would like to have your children donate some of their Halloween candy.
Kids in homeless shelters are often left out from the Halloween party or Trick or Treating. This is another good place to take that extra candy your children are given. This is a good, positive way to teach your children about abuse and those who do not have their own home.
Some parents take the candy after the kids get home from Halloween parties or the adventure of Trick or Treating. The candy still technically belongs to the kids, but the ability to pick something from their candy bag becomes tied to homework, grades, or chores. Kids “earn” the right to eat from their “stash” by making good grades, completing homework assignments, or doing their chores as asked.
Kids who are overweight want their candy just like the child who is average weight. As adults, we all know that we don’t do well on a diet when we are deprived of the food we really want. These kids should be able to have their candy too; however, moderation is the key. Maybe parents and child can come to terms with how this will play out. If a child is on a weight loss program, a trip to the candy bag may be in order if a pound or two is lost. Another suggestion would be that they get a piece if they follow the healthy eating habits for the day or week. Chances are, that as a child sees they are making progress in their weight control, the candy will become less of an issue, and they may choose to forgo eating it. But, if it is withheld, it becomes the “forbidden” and that much more desirable.
What about the child with braces and an orthodonist who forbits it during this time? How about letting them swap the candy for a special toy or game? They can then decide who to donate the candy they collected to.
Now, what about that candy left over at an “all adult houshold” after all the Trick or Treaters are gone? I’ve heard of people who buy more than they know they will hand out just so they have an excuse to eat it themselves after October 31st. Or, some shop the day after to get the Halloween candy that is marked half off or more. Just because it is candy from a special holiday doesn’t mean that it will be any less danger to us calorie wise. Moderation is the key for adults, just like kids. Or, you could make that donation to a local shelter or children’s hospital too.