Sickly and sticky Halloween treats are out!

I love Halloween it is one of my favourite holidays. Let’s face it, though, not one of us relishes the thought of our kids coming home on Halloween with a bucket full of sugary sweets! First of all, we have to face the reality of the situation; Be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that we will probably sit there and eat at least half, even if it is just for quality control purposes!

Secondly, I know for a fact in my house it causes arguments and tension as I try to confiscate the “icky” ones. Not to mention the sickness, stickiness and the wasted time sifting through checking every single sweet for evidence of being tampered with in any way.

So with this in mind, I have decided to be “that parent” not handing out sweets and chocolate this year!

 Why I have changed my tactics.

• Tooth decay caused by bacteria in the mouth using sugar from food and drink to produce acids that dissolve and damage the teeth.
• Allergies are commonplace, and up to 10% of children may be allergic to one food or another. Many favourite types of sweets and chocolate contain peanuts and other allergens.
• Colourings and E numbers to which some children are sensitive. Avoiding them in most types of sweets is tough.
• Obesity levels are rising. The number one cause is overeating foods containing lots of sugar. Sugar is stored in the body and then turned into fat.
• Parents Because we all know what a battle it can be to confiscate one sweet let alone a bucket full!

Why not try these purse-friendly (but still super exciting) ideas for handing over at the door this year?

1. Stickers, kids love stickers, and they come in sheets which can be cut up and handed out individually
2. Polystyrene gliders, you can find these in your local pound store or party supply aisle at the  supermarket
3. Oranges, Yes of the fruit variety! Try drawing some creepy pumpkin faces on them
4. Fake moustaches and silly glasses are relatively cheap and are usually found in the supermarket with the party supplies.
5. Glow bracelets are great for that ghoulish glow.
6. Swirly straws, I have yet to meet anybody’s child who doesn’t love these!
7. Bubbles are always a fun activity.
8. YoYo’s are perfect for improving hand and eye coordination.
9. Gel pens, it doesn’t matter which colour you get these are great fun to write with and come in large packs
10. Erasers come in all sorts of exciting shapes and sizes. (We all make mistakes now and again. If only life was that simple!)

Why not share these ideas with friends and family and encourage less sugar consumption this year!

Wish me luck; I may need it!!