Keep a Lid on Your Kids' Candy Consumption - AND Give Back!

Well, it's November.  Trick-or-treat time is over, but if you've got little ones, the season for eating way. too. much. sugar has just begun!  With their treat bags brimming with Reese's cups, Kit-Kats, Snickers, and who knows what else, the unfortunate opportunity for your kids to be in a constant state of sugar overload is a very real possibility.  But with a little effort, you can limit their sweets intake {without being mean!} and even teach them about the joy of helping others.

First things first ~ ration out that candy!  Choose the number of pieces of candy that you're comfortable with them consuming daily {two?  three?  five?}.  Then have them ration out the candy into little treat bags, plastic baggies, or similar.  You could do two weeks worth, or maybe enough to last them through the month {again, depending on what you're comfortable with, and depending on how much candy they have}.  You could do the rationing for them if you'd like, but by having them do it themselves they can ensure they get their favorites, and they can start to understand the idea of controlling portion sizes.

Next, research Halloween Candy Buy Back programs in your area {click here for info}.  What's a Candy Buy Back program?  Dentists "buy back" your kids Halloween candy {or some of it}, in exchange for cash, coupons, toothbrushes, and more.  They then send the candy to troops overseas.  The link above allows you to search by zip code to find a dentist near you that participates, and also has lots of info about how the program works.  Act fast if you want to participate ~ many dentists will be hosting their Buy Back days within the next week.  {Thanks to my friends over at Six in the Suburbs for posting about this great cause!}

What a great way to not only teach your kids about not overindulging and how to enjoy correct portions of anything; but also to start teaching them at a young age about the importance and satisfaction of giving back and helping others ~ a timely holiday lesson!

Enjoy those sweets, sweets!

xoxo
Bean

{photo credit:  blisstree.com}