I remember trick-or-treating as a kid, and how much of a prize each piece of candy was. I couldnt wait to get home, sort my candy ... and start inhaling it. I also remember that some houses were "bad houses" because they gave out yucky candy, or heavin forbid ... something like raisins! Some of the houses were really "good", and we'd hit them twice (often swapping costumes or trying to sneak in with another large group of trick-or-treaters). But as the childhood obesity rate continues to climb, more and more people (both the givers and receivers of that wonderful Halloween candy) are beginning to think twice about the plethora of candy available to kids on 10/31. An article in the CNN health section provides some tips and alternatives for making Halloween a wee bit healther . Suggestions include:
- One parent lets her kids eat whatever treats they want on Halloween, then they (the kids) decide what's going to be left for the "switch witch," who comes at night like the tooth fairy and takes the kids' candy, leaving toys in her wake.
- Another tactic has parents buying back the candy for money or books. For example, offering a nickel for each piece of candy they like but don't love, and a dime for each piece of something they love.
- Rationing is also an effective method: a piece a day until the candy is gone.
For example: stickers, pencils, Play-Doh or glow sticks
- Or offer both candy and nonedible treats, allowing children who come to your door to make the choice.
We dont have to worry about Brooke & candy for quite a while - like 2 years. This year we are going the traditional candy route, giving out M&M's, Reeses, and KitKat. We also had Butterfinger but I bought the candy a bit too early ... and already ate them (whoops). Perhaps when Brooke is a trick-or-treater we will also think about smarter candy options :) Until then, giving (and eating) the candy is half the fun!
