“Creating an overall healthy lifestyle for yourself doesn’t require a radical diet or significant life change. In fact, it can be attained through common sense decisions about the way we eat, move, and live.”
— Harley Pasternak

TRICK OR TREAT!

Halloween is one of my daughter’s favorite times of the year—the costumes, the decorations, the excitement in the air. But if you’re like me, you know it comes with a challenge: candy. So. Much. Candy.

And while we want our kids to enjoy themselves, I also want to avoid the dreaded sugar crash, the tummy aches, and the struggles to get them back on a normal schedule after.

Sure, candy is part of the fun, but we all know too much of it can bring out the “monster” in our kids—not just from the sugar highs, but also from the lows that follow. More than once, I’ve found myself dealing with a little zombie the morning after Halloween because, well, someone just had to have “one more.”

If you’re wondering how to let your kids enjoy the fun of Halloween without all the post-candy regrets, you’re definitely not alone! I’ll admit it: moderation isn’t the most exciting concept to introduce to kids, especially when their focus is on fun but here’s what’s worked for me (and hopefully helps you, too).

I’ve found that Halloween night isn’t the best time to talk about moderation (cue the eye rolls). Instead, we talk about it before the costumes and candy. Here are some ways I bring it up:

Involve them in the planning:

I like to get my kids involved in deciding how we’re going to handle all the candy.

Kids are much more open to an idea when they feel involved. Try asking them how they’d like to make their candy last longer. Could they trade in a few pieces each day for a non-candy treat or an extra bedtime story?

You could say something like, “I know you’re so excited to eat your candy! What do you think about saving some for later so you get to enjoy it all week long? Maybe we can trade some for a movie night or an extra 15 minutes of playtime!”

It’s amazing how thoughtful they can be when given a little responsibility.
Explain Why It Matters:

Kids are naturally curious, and sometimes a simple explanation goes a long way.

I’ve learned that if I tell them it’s “too much candy,” it just makes it sound like I’m spoiling the fun.
So instead I talk about how sugar affects energy and makes it hard for us to focus.

Maybe say something like, “Remember that time you had lots of candy, and your tummy didn’t feel so good? We’re just making sure we don’t get too much at once so you can feel your best!”
Model Moderation Yourself
Kids learn a lot by watching us. When they see you enjoying your favorite Halloween treats in small amounts, they’re more likely to follow suit.

You might say something like, “I love chocolate, but I’m going to save some for later. That way, I can have something sweet all week!”

This way, you’re showing them that it’s okay to have treats—and that it’s okay to wait.
Have a Fun Alternative Activity
Offer up some fun, non-candy activities alongside the trick-or-treating excitement. It could be pumpkin painting, making spooky decorations, or telling funny ghost stories. That way, Halloween feels like more than just candy—it’s a whole experience!
We created a freebie filled with Fun Activities that your kids can do aside from trick or treating. Download freebie here.

The Witch-Switch:
When all else fails offer them the “Witch-Switch.” Give them the option to trade all their candy in for a toy they really want. Lucky for me my daughter told me this was her plan for the day after Halloween. I’m counting that as a win!

Halloween should be about fun memories, and while candy is part of that, teaching kids to enjoy it in moderation is one of those lessons that pays off in the long run. With a little bit of balance and a lot of understanding, we can make Halloween a treat without the tricks.

Here’s to a spook-tacular Halloween—where the fun is high and the sugar isn’t (at least, not for long)!