Halloween can be a parent’s worst nightmare. Just picture those sugar-infused little bodies that ultimately crash at the end of a late night in the form of one doozy of a tantrum. Now that’s a scary Halloween.
How are you going to deal with your little gremlin this October 31st?
Plan a pre-holiday family meeting – Parents, meet with your kids before Halloween trick-or-treating or parties and work together to come up with a plan for how much candy they can have. Make them a part of the decision making process so they feel they have some say.
For better or for worse – What’s better, what’s worse? Look out for food dyes and colours as some kids react; allergies, behavioural issues or difficulty sleeping. If chocolate is their favourite, have some healthier choices (organic or dark choc) on hand and make a trade for the ‘junk’ ones. Talk about why you are trading, using this as a great learning opportunity for all (and don’t forget to mention that in your family meeting).
Post-holiday crash – Ever notice an increase in colds, flu or tummy aches post sugar rush? Sugar can depress the immune system for hours so boost the immune system with some probiotics for a week or so before and give some extra vitamin C (powders work well – mix in water or dilute juice) to try to dodge the sickness that’s likely to follow October 31st. Also if you notice digestive upsets, headaches and eczema flare-ups, the sugar intake can be the cause.
Balanced dinner before – Help keep those blood sugar levels from peaking and crashing with a pre-trick-or-treating meal, which is a balance of carbs, veggies and protein. Take a water bottle with you en route with diluted juice, or thermos with herbal tea as it’s usually chilly.
Do YOUR part – Ever thought about starting a new trend? It’s easier with the younger ones. Start a new tradition of giving out small toys to your trick or treaters. Talk about giving out healthier choices and alternatives. My faves include:
- Recycled Crayon Stars - pack of 20. Hand out one to each kid (maybe the younger ones).
- Glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets – a visit to the dollar store got a whole lot healthier!
- Stickers or temporary tattoos.
- Candies and other treats made with alternative sweeteners. Whole Foods Market has a fantastic assortment of lollipops and individually wrapped treats that won’t have your dentist running for cover.
- Candies or treats made with natural food colorings including beet, carrot and others.
Trade up the Loot – is there something that your little princess or Spiderman has been coveting? Suggest a trade of their bag of loot (after some nibbling of course) for a longer lasting treat, or have the “Halloween Pumpkin” (cousin of the tooth fairy) come a day after Halloween and leave that special something in its place.
Now if I could only find somewhere to donate the treats to after my daughters forget about it (out of sight out of mind after a few days), I’d be happier.
If you know of a charity that would welcome some treats, or have a great suggestion of what to do with it all, please share!
