Everett, Wash. Published: Thursday, October 9, 2008
Try to avoid sugar overload this Halloween
Associated Press
Here are 10 tips parents can use to get a handle on Halloween so children feel neither deprived nor sick to their stomachs:
Make a plan: Decide with children, before Halloween, on what is a reasonable amount of candy to eat that night, and beyond. Will the candy be packaged in small bags to make the holiday last longer, rationed to a piece or two a day, donated or thrown away?
Eat dinner: Feed children dinner before trick or treating so they will not be ravenous and want to fill up on candy while going from house to house.
Don't dally: Go out early, when candy-givers are less likely to encourage children to grab a handful of candy so they don't end up stuck with it.
No forbidden zone: Do not ban candy or ditch it when the kids aren't looking; it may just make them want it more.
Don't be a pig: Parents should be good role models by not eating all the candy themselves.
Make an exception: Let children enjoy some sweets on the holiday while focusing on good nutrition the rest of the year.
Push toys: Offer candy alternatives alone, or alongside candy, to give trick or treaters a choice.
Emphasize the fun: Take some emphasis off candy by focusing on the fun of the holiday, like checking out the costumes and decorated houses.
Get some exercise: Walk, don't drive, if possible, to get some physical activity in while candy collecting.
Inspect candy: Suggest kids wait to eat candy until they get home, where parents can inspect the wrappers to ensure they're tightly sealed. Parents should consider throwing out everything else.
Sources: Dr. Sarah Armstrong, Duke Children's Hospital pediatrician; American Dietetic Association
