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Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Halloween: Call to Action to Parents for Healthy Alternatives
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As you know, childhood obesity is still on the rise. It seems to be a never ending fight to keep your kids away from sugar filled treats. There seems to always be parties, special occasions (that happen more than occasionally), and a lot of eating out. Halloween is the epitome of all gluttony. So, what do you do? Other than giving kids candy, there are things that they can do other than get that “sugar high.” Here are a few ideas:
Trade Candy For Toys - I actually learned this idea from a child psychologist a few years ago. This is how it works. Go ahead and do the regular door to door Trick or Treating. Once you have all the candy, you can give your child the option of trading in candy for toys. You can make each piece worth a certain dollar amount to apply to a toy or have them trade in their entire loot for onc really nice toy. Be sure you mention the idea before you actually take them out. This will give them the opportunity to think about what they want. You’ll probably be surprised that your child would rather have a toy (something that lasts), over candy.
Go To An Event - Many churches and community centers are having events on Halloween. They’ll be some candy there, but the kids are more into playing games and stuff. You know, vigorous activity. Check with you church, synagogue, or local community center to see what they’re doing.
Go To A Movie Or Rent a Movie and Have a Party - At the movie there will still be some treats, but it will be a heck of a lot less than what you would get trick or treating. If you rent a movie and have a small party of friends at your home, you can have more control over what your child eats. They may even enjoy it more than going from one house to another anyway.
Do a Combination of These Ideas - You don’t have to stick to one particular idea. My wife and I usually take our kids to the church, and then visit a couple of homes of people we know really well. It’s safer that way anyway. Plus, our kids really enjoy seeing the people they know.
Special Note: For those who want to give away something other than candy and not be a “party pooper,” my wife has come up with a wonderful idea that is actually less expensive and more fun for kids. At Wal-Mart, she bought tons of little boxes of stickers, removable tattoos, and Playdoh and put them in decorative little plastic bags. Our kids helped her put them together. They had fun doing it and other kids love them (we’ve already been giving them out). It’s just one small way we can contribute to healthy behavior, yet still have fun.
Do you have any thoughts or ideas on this subject?
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