Candy—just the thought of it brings a huge smile to a child's face. But it also strikes fear into the hearts of parents.
Besides tasting good, candy has few redeeming qualities (although, maybe tasting good is enough). Many people believe that candy is a major contributor to tooth decay . In addition, while providing calories, candy rarely provides any nutrition. And although science has never corroborated the claim, many parents blame the sugar in candy for causing hyperactivity in children .
Halloween is rapidly approaching, and kids are already getting excited. Halloween ranks right at the top as far as favorite holidays go. Not only do children get to put on fun costumes, but they also get to collect pillowcases full of candy. What could be better?
As fun as Halloween can be for kids, it can be a challenge for parents. As a parent, how do you keep the holiday fun but make sure that your child doesn't overdo it when it comes to candy. Most experts agree that the first step is setting guidelines in advance of the special night.
After trick-or-treating, have your children spread their candy on a table or the floor. You can try one of these three approaches:
Or, develop a system that works well in your home. Whichever approach you choose, make sure you let your child know what the plan is before the big night. And if it works well, stick with it every year.
Halloween doesn't have to scare off good nutrition habits. It just takes a little bit of planning and some dedication on your part. To help Halloween be a more healthful time, the American Academy of Pediatrics provides some tips.
One additional candy tip: Try not to reward your child's good behavior with candy or punish bad behavior by withholding candy. Use non-candy things, like a trip to the park or new crayons, to acknowledge good behavior.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canada's Food Guide
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index_e.html/
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
Last reviewed April 2009 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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