PARENT INFORMATION CENTER

RANKEN JORDAN SPOTLIGHT
Every year we select one volunteer that shows an extreme level of commitment and dedication to Ranken Jordan and the children that come to us for help. Find out who that volunteer is...

HOW TO HELP
Find out how you can help further the Ranken Jordan mission. Your tax-deductible donation can help in many ways. Click here.


According to the National Confectioners Association, 93% of children participate in some type of trick-or-treating activities – so chances are you will have a bunch of candy lying around this fall. But, what do you do with all that candy?  With emphasis on health, and especially children’s health, over the years many parents are scratching their heads when it comes to how much candy they should allow their children to eat. Can you have a healthy Halloween? Below are a few tips on how to keep your kids healthy, yet still enjoy the pillowcase of goodies they’ve acquired by the night’s end.
  • Get the family together for a good meal before sending them out to a night of trick-or-treating. This should help prevent overdoing it on all that candy.
  • This year, consider handing out non-food treats, like stickers and temporary tattoos. Or, give out healthy snacks, like sugar-free candy or gum, trail mix, or small boxes of raisins.
  • Encourage your child to moderate themselves reminding them that eating too much could make them feel sick.
  • Always tell your child to wait until they return home to eat their candy. Even though tampered candy is rare, a responsible parent should always closely examine all treats. Make sure to throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
  • After Halloween has come and passed, try to ration the remaining treats.
  • Before sending them out let them know their limits and reason for those limits.
  • Remind the kids that if they don't eat it all now, they'll have more for later. Encourage sharing the candy with friends. Not only does it thin out the candy supply, it enforces sharing.
  • As we all know, children look up to their parents so if you are limiting the amount of candy they eat, first be the role model by monitoring the amount of candy you eat as well.

 

Disclaimer: The health content is provided for informational and educational purposes. It is intended for the general population and may not reflect specific conditions or risk of an individual or segment of the population. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, consultation, treatment or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of information obtained through these services.