Healthier Halloween?

Hello EC Families!

My husband came across something that I wanted to share with you in case you were interested in reducing the amount of sugar your child consumes on/around Halloween. There is something called Switch Witch that is kind of like Elf on the Shelf, but for Halloween. The idea is that children can switch out candy for a toy. There is a book that goes along with it, which explains that witches need the candy to power their brooms and heat their bath water. If you would prefer not to use witches, you could create a different character such as a Candy Fairy or a Giant Pumpkin. One part I do not like is that in the story, witches will only exchange candy for toys for kids who are good. However, I do not believe the exchange needs to be tied to good behavior, so that is another piece you could choose to modify depending on what works best for your family.
There is also another version of Switch Witch that is less like Elf on the Shelf, but still involves switching out candy for something better. Children leave their candy by their jack-o-lantern and the Switch Witch trades it in for a special toy/book/other item. I like this book a little bit better. It is by Charity A. O'Neill-O'Kane.

The article my husband found lists some other potential modifications: 

• Switch out the candy for an activity/experience or cash
• Offer healthier sweets instead (such as xylitol suckers)
• Instead of using a character for the switch, use it as an opportunity to learn about finances (probably more for older children)

I just thought I would share this information in case there are any families who are interested in limiting sugar. Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Blessings,
​Mrs. Soldner