With Halloween just around the corner, kids are excited to hear about spooky stories and ancient tales and think whether they are true or not. To add in this Halloween season, it is likely that Halloween candy, cookies, and other sugary treats are also just around the corner, making parents worry.
One ancient tale that keeps on going about sugary treats, just like those Halloween candies and cookies, can cause a misbehaving child. Based on studies, what makes a misbehaving child is not those Halloween candies or any treats but the synthetic food dyes that come with it.
Jane Hersey, National Director of Feingold Association, a charity that helps children with learning and behavior problems, said that there is a way where parents can plan for a healthier and more peaceful holiday. That is, by helping their kids avoid the worst of those Halloween candies and treats. Also, by making activities that take those sweets off and away.
Hersey offers the following tips:
Feed your kids before Trick or Treating
Feed your kids first before they go out and collect those halloween candies and treats. A full stomach is good insurance against their snacking on sweets as they go from door to door.
Choose healthier candy
Offer to trade their Halloween candy that they collected for healthier ones. Parents can find a wide selection of natural candies in the Feingold Association's Food List and Shopping Guide.
Throw a pizza party
Plan a Halloween-themed pizza party for your kids and their friends. Kids can wear their costumes to the party, which could be in your home or at their favorite pizza place. That will prevent them from those halloween candies and treats with synthetic food dyes that can turn them into misbehaving children.
Camp out
Camp out with your children on Halloween night. Pitch a tent in the backyard, grill some hot does, and share those spooky ghost stories.
Rent a scary movie
Make Halloween movie night. Let your kids choose a scary film to watch and treat them to all the popcorn they want.
Give them toys
Toys are a great alternative to candies and other sugary treats. Check your local dollar store for Halloween-themed items and toys like vampire's teeth, squishy eyeballs, glow-in-the-dark insects, and jumping spiders.
It is important to note that while there is no significant evidence that sugar is likely to result in children's behavior problems, eating lots of sugar does have an effect that can lead to other health problems. In rare cases, some kids may have a food allergy that can result in their mood changes.
There can be other causes that can result in a misbehaving child. While Halloween and the holiday season may bring several things for people, especially parents, to be scared of or worried about, the fear that an extra piece of candy or additional cookie can cause a misbehaving child does not appear to have any scientific support.
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