10/30/2022
This is how we handle candy in our home. What works for your family?
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Does Halloween candy stress you out?
I hear from so many parents that they hate having it around because they’ll eat it, OR they hate having it because it’s a battle with their kids.
There are so many recommendations now to get rid of candy! But you don’t have to do the Switch Witch to enjoy Halloween.
In fact, taking their candy doesn't teach them how to be around candy or self-regulate, and it makes candy more appealing.
Instead, here are a few suggestions:
On Halloween night, let them eat as much of their candy as they want. Put out additional snacks as well, so they have the option to eat other food. That might include something like cheese, crackers, and fruit or leftover dinner. Sometimes they’re so excited about trick or treating, and they don’t eat much dinner. If they’re truly hungry, they’re likely to eat more candy to fill up.
Set out a trash container. It’s a visual reminder they don’t have to finish everything they open. I often watch my kids do this with holiday baskets that include sweets. They’re so excited and want to try a bite of everything, but sometimes they don’t really like it; I’m looking at you Easter Peeps! Having a trash receptacle also helps keep things a little more tidy.
Once they’re done and moving on, put their candy in the pantry, or anywhere else you might keep food, and then offer it with meals and snacks.
This might look like…
You’re welcome to choose one or two pieces of candy to have with lunch today.
Today, let’s get out our candy to have with our snack (and let them choose however much they want).
The goal is for them to feel like the candy is not off-limits. You can offer it as a single serving portion (as Ellyn Satter recommends) or allow them to have as much as they want. Either way, offer it regularly. Time and time again, I hear parents say how they throw out candy because their kids forgot about it.
And for more on how to handle sugar in all different situations, grab my free guide: My Kid Has a Sweet Tooth. Get it today from the link in my bio!