We’ve reached the time of year when dressing up in spooky, creepy or character costumes, attending parties or trawling the neighbourhood for treats, and digging into strange foods that are actually delicious is on the top of many kid's (and adult's!) lists. It’s also the peak season for sweet, sugary food which can be frustrating for parents who encourage their children to eat a healthy, balanced diet. 

Overindulgence in sugary foods can lead to highs and crashes, sore tummies and the development of bad habits. We know how bad sugar is for us, yet it can be hard to celebrate a holiday such as Halloween without the sweet treats. Of course, if your children generally eat well all year round, there is little wrong with letting them have some sweets on Halloween. The key, as always, is moderation. 

Here are some ideas to help mums and dads encourage healthy foods and reduce overindulgence this Halloween:

Set a limit
Limit your kids to a certain number of sweet pieces per day, hide the rest, and have the kids ask for it over the next few days if they want it. They may not even remember it’s there! Alternatively, you could make a rule about how many sweet things they’re allowed until they have to eat something healthy.

Serve healthy options alongside the sweets
There are plenty of healthy Halloween food ideas that are still tasty, spooky and creepy! You can check out four healthy Halloween recipes that we’ve tried here, or go on the Health 2000 ‘A Healthy Halloween’ Pinterest board for inspiration. You could also hand out fun toys like glow sticks or bubbles instead of food items to keep your kids and other trick-or-treaters entertained.

Feed the kids before they go out 
If your kids are full before they go out trick-or-treating or to a Halloween party, they may be less inclined to eat as many sweets, especially if they have eaten a healthy meal that keeps them feeling fuller for longer.

Encourage sharing with friends or siblings
You could have your child make two piles of sweets – one that they’d like to keep and eat, and one to give away to a friend or sibling who has less. This means they’ll thin out the supply they have, as well as make others happy. It also encourages sharing.

Talk to your kids
Having a quick discussion with your kids before it’s time to go out is a great idea to help them take responsibility for what they’re eating. Encourage them to be mindful of the amount of sweets they’ve eaten, and to stop before they feel full or sick. You can remind them that if they don’t eat it all now they’ll have more for later. It’s also important for parents to be role models by eating sweets in moderation too, to encourage mindful eating as a family focus.

Have a happy Halloween!