Before you send your kids out on this year's Halloween spookfest, take a few moments to figure out how to control their candy consumption.
The simplest strategy is to stuff their tummies before they go out trick or treating. Cook them their favorite meal for dinner so they're more likely to feel full and have less room for candy.
No one ever said treats have to be sweet. Take control of candy consumption in your home by offering visiting hobgoblins and fairy princesses something other than candy. Alternative treats include art supplies, stickers, tiny discount store toys, key chains and colorful shoelaces.
Make a rule that your children refrain from eating their candy haul while going house to house. Parents should examine treats at home before the kids start ripping into them.
If you've got toddlers or younger children in the house, throw out choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys. Give your kids a time limit for how long candy can remain in the house before it gets thrown away.
Isolate Halloween candy in separate bowls on the kitchen counter or table so that parents can monitor how much kids are eating. This can help prevent clandestine candy binges.
Last, but not least, stock up on upset stomach remedies -- just in case.
