Solving the Halloween Candy Quandary

Ever since our kids have learned to walk, Halloween is one of those holidays that I’ve always dreaded.  We don’t do candy in our home (or very rarely) due to the health issues that arise from diets in excess sugar.  It seems that when candy is present too, these monster-like creatures come out in our kids, as they fight and beg to eat it.  I hate the battle that it brings.  I hate having to be the candy-police whenever it is present in our home.  So, I’m thankful that for most of the year, we don’t have to deal with it.

Until this year.  I’m actually slightly looking forward to Halloween for the first time ever.

My husband and I have decided to turn the halloween candy collection this year into a very important learning experience.  We are starting a candy exchange with our kids (though they don’t know it yet).

Since our kids have started saving birthday money and learning more about the cost of things that they really want, we thought this lesson might actually make an impact this year.

How To Do A Halloween Candy Buy Back

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• Kids dress up and have fun collecting candy.
• When the halloween candy comes home, they have the option to trade in as many pieces as they want for money that goes into their piggy banks.
• 1 piece of candy = 1 quarter (or however much you decide)
• They can then add to their savings to purchase a special toy or experience, instead of the momentary pleasure (and tummy aches) that come with the candy.

I’m sure our kids will not want to trade everything.  That’s ok.  But we are hoping it encourages them to look at it differently and see that there is something better.

And for handing out candy?  Well, this year, I’ve decided to hand out glo-sticks instead.  Who said a “treat” had to be candy?

For more ideas on Halloween candy alternatives, see “Real Food Tips: 20 Ways to do Halloween without candy.” 
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