BOO--how to have the best Halloween for your family

If your family is anything like ours, the amount of candy we accumulate during this spooky season is nothing short of crazy! Between parades, trunk-or-treats, fall festivals, and the big night itself, our candy stash seems to overflow. While I definitely enjoy indulging my sweet tooth, this sugary bounty can pose some challenges when it comes to mood, sleep, and overall behavior.

As we gear up for trick-or-treating, here are three simple tips to help ensure you have a more positive Halloween experience:

1. Be Proactive

Halloween is all about the fun scares and unexpected thrills, but the impact it can have on our emotions shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s crucial to anticipate how these changes can disrupt our routines and to increase our "doses of regulation." Think of it like a metronome keeping the beat; we should strive to create an environment that is rhythmic and predictable. Incorporating calming activities and routines before and after Halloween can help everyone stay grounded during this exciting time.

2. Set a Specific Candy Limit

Be clear about how much candy your little ghouls and goblins can enjoy after trick-or-treating. Set these expectations upfront and communicate them regularly. It’s best not to wait until the candy is spilled out on the table to announce the limits! Remind them in the morning before school, after school, and even leading up to the big night. While it might not eliminate all struggles, having a predictable plan can significantly reduce surprises and help manage expectations.

3. Organize the Candy Stash

It can be all too easy to grab a piece of candy here and there as you pass the bowl, especially when it’s overflowing! A large pile of candy can feel like an open invitation to dive in, which can be overwhelming for kids—especially those who have previously faced food insecurities. To help avoid this temptation, organize the candy into appropriate daily portions, then store the rest in baggies out of sight. This not only helps regulate consumption but also makes it easier for kids to understand their limits.

We recognize that this time of year is full of excitement and lots of sugar. We really believe that keeping these tips in mind, we can have a more regulated and enjoyable Halloween together.

We would also encourage you to read the 3 Tips for Navigating the Fall Back: Adjusting to Daylight Savings Time from Chad Cottrell, our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

Also--don't forget to check out Christmas in the Barn, December 3rd-6th. This is FREE EVENT for the entire family. Take in over 60 beautiful Christmas trees and displays, meet the herd from our two non-profits, enjoy a ride on the Jolly Trolley to go see Santa, get some Christmas shopping done, all while supporting two local non-profits. CLICK HERE TO PLAN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US!