Trick-or-treating is a cherished American tradition, but many people worry that Halloween candy can be seriously scary.  

After all, sugar has been linked to a slew of health problems, from tooth decay to diabetes. And anyone who’s parented a toddler after a candy binge can agree: sugar crashes are real.  

Candy consumption can be particularly worrisome for parents of children with mental health issues like ADHD or anxiety. Sugar can stimulate dopamine receptors, which can aggravate ADHD symptoms. Many studies show a link between a diet high in sugar and depression. 

Although excessive sugar can be harmful, for most of us, trick-or-treating is also a treasured memory, filled with nostalgia. There’s real value in that experience for children, and kids may feel left out and sad to miss trick-or-treating with friends.  

So, what’s a parent to do? 

While there’s no doubt that a consistent diet high in sugar, preservatives and artificial colors is harmful, there’s conflicting evidence about the impact of occasional heavy candy consumption.  

Many experts believe that there’s no real harm in trick-or-treating and that the holiday can be an ideal time to teach children about moderation and making good choices.  

One approach is to allow kids to trick-or-treat, but agree to boundaries on candy consumption. Instead of allowing a free-for-all with candy for weeks after the holiday, take stock after the Halloween haul. Together you and your child can identify which candies are the most unhealthy, and decide which candies to keep and which to toss or donate.  

You can also discuss goals about how much to eat in one sitting, demonstrating that one big candy feast might not be nearly as fun as having a single piece of candy in your lunch box for weeks to come. 

Families may also agree to more healthy meals before trick-or-treating, knowing there will be indulgences later. Eat a well-rounded breakfast, lunch and dinner, filled with whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. That will help ensure that the impact of a sugar spike isn’t experienced on an empty stomach and also underscores the value of a balanced diet and of planning how to handle temptations. 

No matter what your approach, Halloween can be an opportunity to “unmask” what’s unhealthy in a regular sugar-laden diet. Use the holiday to model both the importance of occasional treats and of daily moderation. There’s nothing scary about that. 

Have other questions or concerns about your child’s mental health? Call our Access Center at (303) 504-7900 to talk to our Child & Family Services team.