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I have a confession to make.  I am one of those moms.  I cringe at the thought of high fructose corn syrup entering the bodies of my two children.  It’s not that high fructose corn syrup is much worse for their bodies than ordinary sugar.  But to me, it is a sign that the food that it’s in is a man-made laboratory concoction.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love a good hunk of chocolate or a bowl of ice cream as much as the next person.  But I aim to indulge in sugar-laden treats that are made from real food.  And even then, I try to do so only on occasion.

So, how should I handle Halloween?  Should I ban the sugar-bombs that my kids bring home with pride after a fun evening of trick-or-treating?  No way – that will only make them want to eat more.  Are there appealing options for handling the sugar and over packaging madness that surrounds this holiday?  You bet!

Kids learn from our actions – it’s time we step up and show our kids that we care about their health and the health of other people’s children…not to mention the health of our planet.

• Try to shift the focus from conventional candy treats to activities and treasures that are better for our bodies and our planet.
• Consider the ingredients that are in the treats that you share with the little ghosts, princesses and superheroes that come to your door.
• Consider a trade-in policy – you will give your child a book, toy or coupon for a favorite activity if they turn in all but their favorite 10-15 pieces of candy.
• Do you have to give out candy?  If not, give out special treasures that will last awhile before being dumped into the trash.  Here are some of our favorite treat alternatives:
  • Flour or herb seed packets
  • Coins
  • Polished rocks
  • Fancy erasers, pencil grips or pencils
  • Temporary Tattoos
  • Mini clay packets
  • Origami paper and instructions
  • Miniature magnifying glasses
  • Bouncy balls, especially spooky ones!
• If you want to give out treats made from real ingredients, try these:
  

  Kid Clif Zbar: S'mores

  • Fruit leathers
  • Honey sticks
  • Glee Gum mini’s
  • Kid Clif Zbar: Spooky S’mores
  • Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies
  • Freeze dried strawberries
  • …you can find more ideas on my Amazon Store

For more wonderful ideas about how to make Halloween healthier and safer for our children and for the environment, visit Green Halloween (www.greenhalloween.org).