Nothing says sugar meltdown quite like Halloween. While indulging our sweet-tooth is perfectly fine once in a while, there are a variety of tactics parents can use to help children moderate their sugar intake this Halloween (and prevent nasty stomach aches, emergency dental appointments, and sugar-high meltdowns).

Studies also show that the more strictly parents attempt to control certain foods, such as sweets, the more desirable they become. Rather, a realistic, consistent, and positive approach is the most effective and fun.

How not to have candy ruin your kids teeth at Halloween

Our list of 4 great strategies to avoid the Halloween sugar overload

Switch Witch

When the kids go to bed, the ‘Switch Witch’ exchanges their candy for a new toy. This is a fun opportunity for your kids to willingly trade their candy for something else they would enjoy.

Candy buy-back programs

Contact your local dental office to ask if they offer a candy buy-back program.

Donate it

Individually wrapped candy can be donated to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank or Covenant House Vancouver.

Save it

You can freeze most candy and use it later for baking, goodie bags, to fill a piñata at your child’s next birthday party, or decorate a gingerbread house at Christmas.

>> Fun, local Halloween Costumes

How do you make sure your kids don’t overindulge on Halloween?