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- Halloween Candy...How Much is Too Much?! 🎃🍫🍭🍬
Halloween Candy...How Much is Too Much?! 🎃🍫🍭🍬
We asked a Pediatrician for her opinion on the Halloween candy conundrum! Plus, Shawn and Andrew answer your vulnerable questions!
Lions and Tigers and Sugar..oh my! 🦁 🐯 🍭
 | Between treats at school, halloween parties and a full night of trick-or-treating on the 31st…the fun (and sugar) is everywhere! Let’s admit it, we all want to be the “fun parent” that allows our kids to have an abundance of sweet treats this time of year, but where do we draw the line between a one night celebration and the sugar high of the the century?! We’ll get into it below! 🙂 |
We asked how your family handles Halloween candy on Instagram and here’s what you had to say!
Pssssst! Whatever you decide to do for your family on Halloween is what’s best because hey, you’re the parent after all and if nobody has reminded you lately, YOU make the rules! 😍
Looking for Expert Advice on the Candy Conundrum? 🍭
 | FamilyMade sat down with Board Certified Pediatrician, IBCLC, host of The PedsDocTalk Podcast and mom of two, Dr. Mona to pick her brain on the topic of a Halloween candy sugar overload. Check out our interview below! |
How much candy is too much for your kids?
Dr. Mona- “We know it's probably too much if it makes our kiddo's tummies hurt or if they have a candy obsession and tantrums ensue when candy isn't available. It's important for us to also look at Halloween as a day where candy is part of the equation so a parent is entitled to make exceptions on this holiday.”
Is being too restrictive with candy detrimental to your child?
Dr. Mona- “I think we can teach kids about food choices and anti-diet culture by normalizing candy during Halloween. We don't need to put candy on this pedestal and remove candy completely from their diet. Why? because when they do get access to it they may not know how to moderate. We also don't want to label foods as "good" or "bad" because truly candy and sweets are a part of our life and teaching kids moderation with all foods is best. Being too restrictive can backfire in the long run.”
Should you be worried if your child has had too much sugar?
Dr. Mona- “Different people can be impacted by sugar in different ways, but likely the high-energy rush you may see in your child on Halloween is more from all the excitement and energy of the day than sugar! If you feel they had too much sugar, our bodies will metabolize that. Keep them hydrated as usual and try to follow their routine and sleep schedule.”
How can you teach your children moderation in a healthy way?
Dr. Mona- “An option parents can do is place the candy in a secure location and tell the kids they can have a candy every day with their dinner (not as a reward for eating dinner or a replacement) but simply presented with their meal. This puts the candy on a level playing field with other foods. The night of Halloween, a parent can decide which candies are appropriate based on any allergies or choking hazards and can allow the child to choose a few pieces they want to enjoy that day.”
Should you try a "Switch Witch" option where your kids trade their candy for a toy?
Dr. Mona- “This is a great option if we feel the child may not be able to have control with above-mentioned methods or if tantrums are likely.”
**For more Halloween Safety tips from Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Mona, click HERE
The East family and their team recently returned from a Mission Trip to Tijuana, Mexico where they built a home with the organization, Homes of Hope.
Stay tuned for more details on this life-changing trip!
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