Halloween is on Monday, and as a parent you might be thinking about how you plan to handle your child’s Halloween candy. It can cause anxiety for parent’s to see their kids eating a lot of sugar or having it in the house which could lead you to explore other strategies this Halloween. I do think it is smart to have a game plan and communicate that with your child so it’s not absolute chaos, but I’m not a big fan of the switch witch.
The switch witch is an idea where your child gives you all their candy at the end of the night and you let them pick out a toy or give them something non-food related in its place. In theory this may seem like such a great idea. Win win right? However, as a dietitian with an extensive background in acute adolescent eating disorders, I would encourage you to let your kid keep their candy.
I wrote a post a while back about how I planned to handle Halloween candy with Quinn and it all still holds true. Definitely give that a read.
The switch witch can backfire. Perhaps not right away, but if this practice continues overtime and if candy/treat situations are handled similarly it’s sending a big message to your kids.
It can send a message that candy is bad
Candy is already an emotionally charged food. By not allowing your child to eat their candy it could send a message that candy is bad. Kids are going to end up being exposed to candy some point. They may associate feelings of guilt or shame for eating this ”bad” food which can cause a negative or secretive relationship with candy.
It doesn’t give your child a chance to self-regulate
It’s so important that kids learn how to self-regulate themselves with food. Rather than establishing a set amount of candy they are allowed to have on Halloween night, try giving them that power. Worst case scenario they over-do it and get a stomach ache and hopefully learn. Ultimately, kids need unconditional permission to explore all foods to self-regulate what feels best in their bodies.
It puts candy/sugar on a pedestal
Rigid rules around specific foods put them on a pedestal. By normalizing candy or treats in your child’s diet it makes it less of a big deal. If it’s less of a big deal, or something they get to experience on a regular basis, they will be less likely to overeat it when they do have it.
Can create an obsession & increase risk of sneaking treats
Anything forbidden becomes more desirable. Not allowing your child to have their candy might spark them to become more obsessed with candy and curious about what they are not allowed to have. This could lead to secrecy around sneaking treats.
Can cause a feeling of deprivation
Studies show that kids who are restricted sweets and treats actually end up eating more of them when they do get access to them. As kids get older they understand Halloween more, talk about candy with their friends, and some will bring to school in their lunch. This may cause confusion for your child, leaving them feeling deprived and once again can trigger an obsession.
Happy Halloween!
xx, Alix
