Last Updated on April 24, 2024
Halloween is a fun and chaotic time for children and adults. The hustle and bustle of what seems to be the kick off of the season may be just enough to overlook the fact that possibly, more like probably, loads of candy are on the way into your house. Forget about the ghosts and goblins, the amount of sugar is enough to scare any family that is related to someone with diabetes. Really though, no need to panic. There are plenty of healthy alternatives and traditions that you can celebrate as a family without missing a beat of the Monster Mash.
The excitement, for almost every holiday, lies in the preparation for the special day. For Halloween, the best part is picking out costumes with loved ones, decorating the house, carving pumpkins, bobbing for apples at parties and so on. Just because you cannot participate in the ridiculous amount of sugar intake, doesn’t mean that there is nothing for you or your children to do this Halloween. Enjoy the season and experience the memories with your loved ones. There’s nothing like witnessing your children (or spouse) soaking themselves trying to catch an apple out of a bucket of water, or roasting your own pumpkin seeds with a family secret seasoning.
Once the preparation for Halloween has come and gone and the night has arrived for trick or treating. Be upfront with your children on what you expect from them and how to manage their sugar intake. It does not and should not be a free for all with candy. This does not only include children with diabetes, but children (or adults for that matter) in general should not eat a ton of candy on Halloween. It has very little, if any, nutritional value and consists of mostly sugar and fat.
So set limits for everyone in the household. A piece or two of candy that evening, or maybe you swap out candy for their other favorite treats, such as flavored popcorn, those homemade roasted pumpkin seeds you made or a fruit kabob.
Be ready with treats of the non-edible variety to shift the attention elsewhere. Kids love little glow in the dark animals, bracelets and glow sticks and would probably be willing to swap out the majority of their candy for fun nic-nacs or games to play, at least the younger children.
As for the older kids, you are on your own. Kidding of course, but it might take a bit more planning with either a specific item they have been eyeing or just give in to outright giving the loot.
The most important thing to remember about Halloween or any holiday that seems to favor sugary treats is to not deprive yourselves or family of the important things. Be present, have fun, create memories and be prepared with a few healthy alternatives to help curb the craving. Every family’s needs are different, set goals and expectations that everyone is aware of to stay healthy! As a family, focus on sweet holiday traditions instead of sweet holiday treats.
Just always remember, just because your child may have diabetes, does not mean that they can’t enjoy Halloween or candy.
