For parents, the scariest part of Halloween may come when their children return home, ditch their costumes and start piling up their candy. How much is too much for your child to eat? Do you let your child gobble it all down like Cookie Monster, or do you swipe the treats and make them disappear like Casper the Friendly Ghost?
You’re not alone in wondering — many parents have these questions. But know that it is possible to support balanced, healthy eating for children while also letting them enjoy their Halloween haul.
As with any food — even candy — moderation is the key. Studies show that overrestriction of certain foods can lead to increased thoughts about them or even obsession around those foods. That may be the case for any food that’s stringently controlled, not just sweets.
Strategies for Halloween candy moderation
Remember, your goal is to create a neutral feeling toward that post-trick-or-treating heap of goodies. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your child is unique and each child reacts differently around sweet treats.
Here are some tips for staying neutral:
Avoid using food for reward or punishment.
When parents use food this way, it’s no longer associated with neutral feelings, and children may become more focused on the particular food. For example, instead of saying, “Get dressed so we can go get candy,” you could say, “Get dressed and we can show off our cool costumes.” Or rather than telling your child, “If you don’t stop crying about your crown falling off, you can’t have candy,” consider something like, “Your crown is so beautiful — let’s find a way to make it stay on or switch it for this cool headband.”
Take cues from your child.
Some kids may have little interest in sweets and just relish the attention they receive while wearing their costumes. If your child isn’t focused on the candy, don’t draw attention to it. Instead, lean into nonfood excitement. If you and your child go to a Halloween party, for example, encourage your child to do activities like face painting and playing games.
Teach moderation the same way you teach other life skills.
Rather than overrestricting treats, have your child consider saving some candy so they can have it for several days. Suggest slowing down and truly tasting and savoring every bite. Help your child understand that the candy is enjoyed only for the time it’s in their mouth. Ask questions to get your child thinking about the candy: What’s your favorite? Do you like chewy or crunchy better? Are there some kinds you don’t like? If your child doesn’t like a specific type of candy, ask them to think about giving it away — or even tossing 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 of the sugar content, but there is long-term value in letting your child help make those decisions. You may be pleasantly surprised that your child doesn’t eat as much all at once as you may have expected when there is a choice.
If your child eats all the candy, use that as a teaching moment.
Help your child understand that eating too much in one sitting can cause them to feel uncomfortable. Provide gentle reminders that the next time they have a pile of sweets, they may want to slow down and consider saving some for later.
Relax.
Remember that one day or meal is unlikely to make or break a child’s diet. Your child won’t suddenly develop a nutrient deficiency. It’s truly 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 the treats you hand out to the ghosts and goblins who knock at your door, consider nonfood items. This approach avoids ending the night with leftover candy at your house, and you can help teach your child that not all kids enjoy candy. Some children may have food allergies or intolerances, or sensory challenges that mean candy doesn’t appeal to them. Handing out nonfood items shifts the focus from the candy to the event itself. Consider pencils, light-up rings, snap bracelets, fidgets, and other trinkets and toys that make the event enjoyable and more inclusive.
There is no perfect way to handle Halloween candy, and every child at every age and stage will likely present unique challenges. The great news is there are many strategies to teach your children about moderation, not only with Halloween candy but also with other special events that emphasize food. Encouraging moderation is a journey that develops over time.
Relevant reading
Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance, 3rd Edition
Mayo Clinic on Better Hearing and Balance helps readers understand the possible causes of hearing and balance issues and offers solutions aimed at improving not just hearing and balance, but quality of life overall.
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