For anyone battling weight, for parents/grandparents who are concerned about their kids’ weight and health, Hallowe’en can be a nightmare. Sooo much candy…. soooo much sugar! Did you know that one-quarter of all candy sold in the US is purchased for Hallowe’en? What to do? Here are some ideas I’ve gathered:
The Switch Witch
My friends started what they call a “Switch Witch” tradition with their daughter when she was about 4 years old. She gets to go trick-or-treating as long as she wants — costume and all — and can eat a few pieces of candy when she gets home. Then the “Switch Witch” comes during the night and leaves her a gift (something she really wants!) in place of the candy. It might be a DVD, a game, or a little fairy doll (she was into those for a while). It’s never anything really expensive. It’s worked well — and she doesn’t ask for the candy back.
OR
Give things like crayons, coloring books, pencils, erasers, little notebooks, stickers, small toys and little things from the dollar store. Or, offer small packets of dried fruit. Get your neighbors to do the same.
OR
When your kids come home with a bag full of candy, go through the bag when they go to sleep. Leave between 10 and 14 pieces in the bags. Allow them to take one piece after dinner each night till they are gone… or put one piece in their lunch box…or one piece after school… whatever works for you. Donate the rest to a shelter, the fire department, food bank, the tellers at the drive-up window at the bank, a senior center… you get the idea.