Jack-o-Lanterns, scary costumes and trick or treating is finally over, now, all kids just want to enjoy the fruit of their labor. For some they may have gotten a basketful of candies, and some just probably half. Nevertheless, it's still a lot more than the average amount kids usually get.
It's a challenge for parents to make sure that their kids consume a healthy amount. Most of them are trying their best to divide an amount which can be considered as snack-size. It's almost impossible, considering that most children would like to eat all of the candies they hoarded.
In an article written for CBC News, Sarah Woodruff, an associate professor of kinesiology specializing in health and wellness and body weight management at the University of Windsor said that kids should be allowed to indulge in the candies and goodies they collected, a little bit at least. She said that a bite-sized chocolate bar contains about 60 to 100 calories a piece. The pieces of candy that is given should depend on the age of the child.
She added that since Halloween is a celebration, they should be allowed to eat and what parents should really care for is what their kids eat the other 364 days of the year. Parents shouldn't use the Halloween treats as a reward for good deed or grades because it will make their kids want to get the treats, instead they should concentrate and teach them about moderate consumption and sharing. Kids can keep the candies and treats that they like and might want to start sharing or getting read of others. They should be taught how to enjoy the treats and not just munch it.
Parents should be aware of which treats are good or not too good for their children's teeth while they are trying to go through the candies that their children brought home, this is according to Dr. Kutcher.
