Today I am writing while sitting in my jack’o’lantern tee shirt. Yes a bright ole orange tee shirt with a funny face on the front that I don about this time each year. I also have one that says “Drop Dead” in ghoulish green letters. You see I love Halloween and I always have! But how can we make Halloween healthy? I don’t know about you, but celebrating Halloween and being healthy are a priority for me.
Now what about your kiddos? Are you nervous to send them house to house loading up their bags with food like substances? Are you over joyed when someone hands out toothbrushes instead, saving your little one from cavities and the symptoms that come with candy overdose? While we cannot tell our neighbors what to hand out, I do think that kids can enjoy Halloween while staying healthy!
A few ideas to try, so your kids can have some holiday fun, but not ride the sugar train too hard!
- Offer a candy trade in program! The trade can be for some healthier candies, a few small toys, or perhaps a homemade treat. You probably know what your kiddo loves, and know what to do for a great, motivating trade.
- Look for houses with a Teal Pumpkin out front. Those are houses participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which means they are handing out non-food treats for kids with allergies!
- Keep and donate! If you don’t have any harsh reactions to conventional candy, perhaps they can keep a few favorites and donate the rest! This also allows your kid to get used to giving, another important life lesson. You can even donate the candy to the troops!
- Swap a craft instead of treat or treating! For some, avoiding the free candy is a must. Look for a local paint your own pottery, or other craft place that hosts kids on Halloween in costume! If you can’t find one, hope over to Pinterest find a craft and host your own!
- Hit the local pumpkin patch or corn maze in costume and bring your own snacks!
- Bake some special treats together! There are millions of fun recipes out there, for just about any dietary restriction!
Most importantly- please talk with your kiddo about what you are doing that night. I know I would be mighty peeved if my mom took all my candy and swapped it for a silly toy that she picked out, after the fact. If you can set good expectations, I think it will go over a lot better!
Here’s one idea I came up with as a fun and easy way to make Halloween healthy and not just about candy!
Cheers,
Heather
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