Here’s a strategy we use to cut down (or eliminate candy) at our house on Halloween. We take our son out to Trick or Treat just like everybody else. Then, when he has his giant bag of candy we ask him if he wants to give the candy to the Switch Witch who, in turn, will give him something he wants (perhaps a new toy).
When he was little, we would leave the candy on the porch and a new (or different) toy would appear magically. Now, we may choose to take a trip to the toy store.
For those of you who may feel a new toy is a bit much, try swapping the candy for baking brownies or a trip to the zoo. Whatever your choices are, you can tailor the exchange for something your child values.
This way, you get the exhilarating fun of a magical Halloween night collecting candy without your child eating it all! Oh, and keep in mind this can work for Easter, too.
