Is it possible to have a healthy Halloween? Yes -- here's how.
There are really only two ingredients that make Halloween what it is: costumes and candy. Oh sure, the kids like the haunted houses and the scary party games, but without the costumes and candy, it just isn't Halloween.
Naturally, these are the two things parents stress over the most. I say worry about the costumes, and let the candy take care of itself.
Whether your kids are used to eating a lot of candy or not, tonight, that will be the only thing that captures their interest. They'll want to count it, trade it, hoard it and maybe even share it. (Okay, maybe not -- at least not the good stuff).
I say let 'em. Let 'em eat as much as they want, let 'em hoard it, let 'em talk about it, think about it, and enjoy it as much as possible.
Why?
Because that's what they're going to do anyway. The more you try to control what they eat, the more they'll push back and try to defy you. Sure, go ahead and make a healthy pumpkin chili or bat pizzas for dinner. They may eat it; they may not. Try not to worry about it.
And when they come home, give them a nice glass of warm milk or hot mulled apple cider. Sit down with them and enjoy pouring over their candy. If you're really, really nice, they may just offer you a piece.
