Halloween – 2010! In just two days we’ll celebrate Halloween in this country and many children will engage in the old process known today as ‘Trick or Treat’! What began as poor people offering to pray for someone in exchange for food from the wealthier people, has now evolved into children collecting treats – mostly candy – from neighborhoods. In some rural areas kids are transported from house to house to ‘collect’ this bounty of sweets which will certainly not meet the best standards of a proper diet. I think we must all recognize that this ‘hallowed evening’ can be a chance to teach our children some valuable lessons.
First: We can teach some very essential manners by encouraging that children not misbehave and that they are polite to all who will contribute a treat to them! ‘Please’, ‘Thank you’, or any other proper expressions of appreciation can be a big part of this transaction!
Secondly: Here is a perfect opportunity to teach your children about moderation! Most kids will collect enough candy to last until Halloween 2011! How much candy should your children consume? Very little, if you’re concerned about the child’s teeth, or problems associated with obesity, or potential medical conditions which need attention to the consumption of sugar. Children can learn self-control and self-regulation (this is known as ‘discipline’) as you chat with the child and provide an example of taking everything in moderation!
Third: Immediately after a child eats some of the candy received in this activity, teach your children to brush their teeth. When my children had their braces put in place a very wise dentist addressed the topic of soft drinks (sugar water) with them! He said in terms they could easily understand: ‘If you are going to drink soda, drink it down – do not sip and prolong the exposure of your teeth to this potential destroyer of good teeth. And, after you have finished the soda, brush your teeth.’ That’s really good advice, I think, and I would encourage everyone who has influence over a child to heed it! Brush right after eating candy, and then no more candy until tomorrow!!
So, here’s your chance to strengthen your relationship with your child, to teach what we commonly call ‘self-discipline’, to teach proper receiving behavior, and to learn about moderation. Those are winning strategies for all of our kids!! Enjoy this Hallowe’ed Evening – Halloween!
