How to Curb Your Child’s Sugar Intake on Halloween

The average trick-or-treater in America will consume around three cups of sugar (or about 7,000 calories of candy) on Halloween, according to one industry report.

Buried beneath that mountain of sweets is an already pressing concern about the amount of sugar Americans (kids and adults alike) eat on a daily basis, the growing research that suggests that excess added sugar in the diet has strong links to cancer, and the already strong ties to obesity, diabetes, and heart and other cardiovascular diseases.

So, how’s a parent supposed to keep their child from overindulging on Halloween?

Immediately after trick-or-treating, sift through your child’s haul and remove any obvious threats, such as opened packages and choking hazards for toddlers. Fresh fruit, too. It may be a welcome sight, but there’s no way to guarantee it hasn’t been tampered with.

Then, allow your child to pick out one or two small pieces of candy on the condition that they brush their teeth and get ready for bed when they’re done. Discourage anything with exceptionally high sugar content, like Pixy Stix (do we have a second example to add?).

During the next few days, reward them with a piece after they finish their homework or their chores. But don’t make a habit of it.