The words healthy and Halloween don’t usually go together for obvious reasons. Halloween is the one time of year when kids let loose and eat as much candy as they can get their hands on. But it is possible to give your kids a fun, yet healthy Halloween.

Follow these tips to help keep your kids safe and healthy as they go trick-or-treating this year.

Feed the little monsters before they go trick-or-treating

If your kids eat a healthy, well-balanced meal before they head out the doors, they’ll be full and eat fewer pieces of candy afterward.

Small bags for small hands

Give your kids a smaller bag or bucket when they go trick-or-treating to limit the amount of candy they’ll collect and eat. A good cover story: tell them it’s easier on their small hands.

Don’t let your kids trick-or-treat alone

Make sure an adult stays with younger kids on their neighborhood rounds. Encourage your older kids to trick-or-treat in a group. Set rules about how far they can go and by what time they need to be home.

Put reflective tape on your kids’ costumes

Decorate your kids’ costumes with reflective tape or stickers so that they stay visible when it starts to get dark outside. You can also give them glow sticks, necklaces or bracelets to wear – a fun way to help them stay safe after dark.

Portion out the candy

When your kids get home from trick-or-treating talk to them about how much candy they can have per day or per week.  Go through their candy with them and separate it into agreed upon serving sizes.  If you hear some moaning, point out that the candy will last longer.

Keep the candy stash out of sight

After Halloween is over, take the leftover candy from your kids and keep it in a hard-to-reach spot so that it’s out of sight. Your children will be less likely to ask for treats if they can’t see them.

The key to a healthy Halloween is to prevent your kids from overindulging. They can still enjoy some sweets and treats, but in moderation.

Have a happy, safe and healthy Halloween! What BOO-tiful costumes are your children wearing this year?

Blue Bear's got his.

Sources: Halloween Health and Safety Tips,  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Originally published October 27, 2014; Revised 2020