UW Health Encourages Halloween Talks On Healthy Candy Habits For Kids

As children prepare for Halloween and the sweet treats it brings, UW Health experts recommend that parents use the holiday as an opportunity to talk to kids about sugar intake and healthy eating habits. For many children, Halloween night means a big bag of candy, and it can be challenging for parents to set limits without creating negative associations around sweets.

Camila Martin, a clinical pediatric nutritionist with UW Health Kids, suggests involving children in making a plan for their Halloween treats to encourage a balanced approach. “Kids like to know the plan and to be part of decision-making,” Martin said. “They can choose the candy they want, while parents can set boundaries, like how many pieces they can have and when.” She recommends allowing one to two pieces of candy a day, paired with a nutritious snack.

Martin cautions against hiding or banning candy, as it may lead to a fixation on sweets. “If children feel candy is restricted, they might overeat when they do get some,” she said. “Creating a healthy relationship with food helps prevent them from developing a tendency to overindulge.”

According to Martin, these conversations are relevant beyond Halloween. She encourages parents to focus on fun, non-food aspects of the holiday, like costumes, decorations, or crafts, to make the season enjoyable without overemphasizing candy.

For Halloween celebrations around the area, check out a list of local events.