My son has been talking about Halloween for weeks. From costume ideas to spooky decor to trick-or-treating plans… he’s ready to take it all in.
As with everything else, Halloween is going to look a little different for us this year. In years past we’ve gone to our church’s annual harvest festival or trick-or-treated at the mall, which has always been fun. But this year will require a little more creativity and planning to make it fun while playing it safe.
But however it plays out, I know this… there will be candy. And I need to have a plan for what to do with it. Here are a few ideas I’ve come up with to limit the effects of the post-Halloween candy craze.
Decide How Much & When
Kids are master negotiators, especially when it comes to sweets and treats. Before the big day, decide on how much and how often they’ll have access to their Halloween candy. In the past, we’ve allowed our kids to choose 1-2 pieces of candy a day for a limited amount of time. (This works for other holidays, too!) Communicating with them about what the limits are and including them in the process helps them to internalize good decision-making strategies and get them on board.
Choose the Chocolate
This is what we all really want anyway, right?! Well on top of just being the best, plain chocolate is better for teeth because it clears out of the mouth quickly without leaving sticky, cavity-causing residues behind. So as you sort candy (or when you just buy the candy at the store!) choose plain chocolate. And treat yourself while you’re at it, too 😉
Drink Water
Water is wonderful. It’s the best way to get and stay hydrated… but did you know it’s also great for your teeth? In addition to providing fluoride, drinking plenty of water is a natural way to rinse sugar out of the mouth and off of the teeth between twice-daily brushing and flossing.
Care Packages
I’m a huge fan of care packages, especially during the time of COVID. This year has been hard on us all, and simple, thoughtful gestures seem to go even farther than before. After you sort the candy, you can divide what’s left and make little care packages for family members, neighbors, teachers, postal workers, doctors, nurses, garbage truck drivers… anyone! Care packages are thoughtful and fun, and also a great way to get excess candy out of the house.
Candy Exchange
The best thing we did last year was participating in a candy buy-back program hosted by Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist. Though the program is wisely being paused this year, we may set up our own! Last year’s rate was $1/lb up to 5 lbs of candy, and my kids LOVED it. It was a win-win all around.
Repurposed Treats
Another fun way to enjoy Halloween candy in moderation is to repurpose it. You can use some of the candy to make yummy cookie bars like these or set it aside for some easy Thanksgiving baking fun.
Happy Halloween From Dr. Bob
However you decide to celebrate, Dr. Bob and his team hope you and your kiddos have a safe and happy Halloween! Whether you’re wondering about when to schedule that first dentist appointment, have questions about having a tongue or lip-tie revised, or need support to help your little one kick a thumb-sucking habit they’ve got your back. Dr. Bob is accepting new patients and has incorporated extensive safety protocols to ensure your child’s routine dentist appointments are as safe as possible. His office is located in the heart of South Miami and he and his team are committed to providing the exceptional care your child deserves. Call the office at 305-397-8214 or click here to schedule an appointment online and see for yourself why Dr. Bob is the dentist your kids will beg to see!
