Halloween can be a challenging time for parents and carers when it comes to balancing good health with great fun. You don't want to be the neighbour that hands out the apple or the toothbrush, but you also don't want to be the one handing out the cavities and sugar crashes either. We've put together some tricks (and treats!) for keeping the sugar levels down and the excitement levels up.
Eat a good meal before going trick or treating
The idea is to top up your child with healthy food before they fill up on lollies. You don't need to make a good meal a chore, you can make it goulish and fun for Halloween. If you need some inspiration, this Eyeball Pasta looks frightfully delicious.
Take the long way round
Trick or treating is a great chance to zombie walk, skeleton skip and ghost dance around the neighbourhood, so choose a longer route and get some exercise on the way.
Swap out the sugar
When handing out treats on the doorstep, you can share non-sweet goodies, like stickers, glow-sticks and bubble-blowers, instead of lollies.
Make some freakishly healthy snacks
If you're having a Halloween party at home or indeed at your early learning centre, there are lots of spooktacular ideas for savoury and fruit-focused food. They don't take long to whip up and the kids will love to be involved.
- Apple mummies
- Frankenstein kiwi fruits
- Ghost bananas
- Jack-O'-Lantern fruit cups
- Pretzel and cheese broomsticks
- Mini spider pizzas
- Witchy guacamole dip
Set a lolly limit
Most treats have a long shelf life, so decide how many treats your child is allowed to eat on October 31, then put the rest aside. They don't all have to go at once, despite their objections.
Make a trade-off
If your child has collected loads of lollies, you could ask them to swap some of their stash for a non-food reward, like going to a new playground or getting to stay up later than usual one night. There might be kids in the neighbourhood who haven't received as many, so sharing these lollies amongst friends is also another option. Whatever tricks you use, here's to a happy and healthier Halloween!
