Now that Trick or Treating is over, it is time to think about what to do with all of that Halloween candy. I remember coming home with a pillow case full of candy, as a kid. Who could possibly eat that much candy? We didn’t. Of course, on Halloween night we gorged ourselves but eventually the candy lost its appeal and we were happy to let mom stash the rest away.
How Much Halloween Candy Should I Let My Kids Eat?
I don’t necessarily agree with the idea of offering a few pieces each night or making it a special treat. When you restrict a food, kids view it as more desirable and making it a special treat only makes it more appealing. It matters which candy your child eats. Did you know that some candy holds more nutritional value than others? Candies like chewing gum, hard candy, jellies, marshmallow candies, and licorice only provide empty calories. While candies like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers, include protein, dietary fiber, calcium and iron.
Dr. Mark Helpin, acting chairman of Temple University’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry has been sited as saying “Parents need to know that frequency is far more important than amount when it comes to taking in sugars. It’s not how much we eat but how often we eat these kinds of things that will place us at increased risk of dental decay and cavities.” According to Helpin, cavities are most likely to develop when your mouth is exposed to the acid created by bacteria during eating. When we eat at meals, the flow of saliva increases. We’re also taking in other liquids that will help wash the mouth out. Experts say that the worst time to give kids sweets is just before bedtime. It seems to me that candy as dessert, right after a meal is the way to go. Packing a few pieces in their lunch would be fine too. Don’t forget to make sure your kids brush their teeth right after eating candy, to help cut down on acidity in the mouth.
How do you deal with all of the candy your child collects on Halloween?