3 Halloween Tips for Happy Healthy Kids

Halloween is and has for the most of my life been one of my absolute favorite holidays of the year. Now that I'm a parent to a vegan child, sometimes it can be a little tricky to make sure she has a great time, doesn't feel excluded and I don't have to limit her fun with the rest of her friends.

Here are my 3 favorite Halloween tips, not just for our vegan family, but for ANY family - wanting to limit their children's sugar intake, teach their children about compassion for other kids with dietary restrictions, and as a parent to be all - inclusive for kids who might otherwise feel left out from the fun. This year we are going to do all three, and are looking forward to all the fun ahead for the halloween season!

1. The Teal Pumpkin Project. 
Buy small toys, not just candy to hand out to trick or treaters. Advertise that you have non-edible treats and toys by painting one of your pumpkins teal and put it in front of your house. Print out the teal pumpkin flyer to post on your door, and/or by your treat basket to let visitors know what its all about. Bring awareness to kids who have severe allergies or dietary restrictions, and be a safe house they can visit on halloween to do trick or treating with the rest of the ghosts, ghouls, and witches.

2. The Switch Witch. 
After a fun night of trick or treating, collect all of your kid's candy, and read them a poem about the Switch Witch, who needs candy to feed her hungry magical cat that helps her fly on her broom through the night, to bring back a special toy for your child. Ask your kid to place all (or most of) their candy into the Switch Witch basket (or a special bag/box you create for this), and then when they wake up the next morning the candy is magically transformed and the new toy is there instead.

3. Halloween Candy Buy Back.
Many dentists, and some other participating businesses will buy your halloween candy from you after trick-or-treating. The money you get back, can be used to buy your kiddo(s) a new toy, a little spending $, or put towards something else. Some places will give free tooth brushes, toothpaste, floss etc, and many will also donate dental health products to kids overseas for each pound of candy that you turn in. Teaching children the importance of dental health, and compassion for others. Enter your zipcode on their site to find a participating dentist near you.

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, spooky holiday season!