Ideas For A No Candy Halloween

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When my children were young I didn't have to worry about candy or unhealthy snacks because I was the only one giving them snacks. They were satisfied with raisins and crackers. As they've gotten older they've gotten a sweet tooth for evening desserts and other treats.

Now that Halloween is around the corner, it is all about the costume preparation. Soon enough, on All Hallow's Eve, it can be all about the candy.

There are plenty of alternatives to passing out candy. Drug stores, local markets and even a "Dollar Store" will have inexpensive options like tattoos that can stay with kids much longer than a miniature candy bar.

When it came to Halloween I used to ask our few neighbors to give our kids stickers for their sticker journals instead of sweet treats. If that didn't work, I traded each piece of candy my child received for a sticker or glow-stick. At the time my kids preferred a glow-stick option to candy.

I still buy stickers, glow sticks and Halloween rub-on tattoos to give out, because I know all parents aren't interesting in having a candy war at the end of the night.
We are not a candy-free household. We do pass out bags of candy that my children have chosen to distribute (mostly to their friends.) At the end of the night my kids cull through their goodies and put the candy in a community jar where friends and family can have a small treat when wanted. 

Keep in mind there are also local dentists that will buy back candy and ship it to US troops stationed overseas. Now that is a sweet deal!

© Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time™, which is available online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the third guidebook in the four-book series of Adirondack Family Activities™.

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