GREENSBORO, N.C. — Halloween is Tuesday! It's a fun-filled night for kids and usually means...lots of candy! But it's important to remember that moderation is key when it comes to those sugary sweets.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Lynn Klett with Cone Health Piedmont Pediatrics shared tips and tricks for a healthy Halloween during this segment of 2 Your Well-Being.
Quick links:
How much candy is OK and how much is TOO much?
There's no set rule on how much candy kids can eat. Typically, the younger kids should have less, and the older kids are OK with a little bit more. A 3 to 5-year-old should have 3-5 pieces at most. Let's say an older child gets lots of 'fun size' candy bars. They can probably have around 6-8 pieces of those.
What strategies can parents use to limit their child's candy intake without making it feel like a restriction?
Get your kids to fill up on fruits and vegetables throughout the day, and stay hydrated. Make sure they don't go trick-or-treating on an empty stomach, so eat a balanced dinner beforehand. So the temptation to overindulge on candy is not as prominent.
Setting expectations for your kids about when it's time to eat the candy and when it is not.
What if your child overindulges in candy and has a tummy ache?
Watch out for nausea, vomiting and headaches after overindulging. Keep the next meal bland for them, so as to not upset their tummy even more. Try to hydrate and try over-the-counter medicine as needed.
Have your kiddo sip ice water or drink peppermint tea to help settle the tummy.
How close to bedtime should kids enjoy their last sweet treat of the day?
Try to have the final treat at least one to two hours before bedtime. That gives the food time to digest, so someone won't go to bed with an upset stomach or heartburn. It also allows their bodies to work through the sugar and lets them brush the candy off their teeth before bed.
What to do if your child has dietary restrictions?
Have backup candy at home that is safe for them to consume. Have them trade you for candy that is safer for them. For example, a kiddo with a peanut allergy can trade a Reece's cup for a sun butter cup.
What about The Switch Witch?
For parents who want to limit candy without feeling like the bad guys, let The Switch Witch come to visit. A few days after Halloween, have your child place some of the candy outside. The Switch Witch will replace the candy with a book or a toy.
