Halloween is one of the worst holidays for kids with ADHD. Too much sugar, too much dye, its just...too much! What can you do for your child to help them limit their sugar intake, without going to the extreme step of forbidding trick or treat altogether?
1) Decide whether eating the candy is an option at all. For most kids, one day of candy is not going to be a problem in the grand scheme of things. If you want, pick a weekend day when school won't be an issue, and let them eat some of what they collected. Then get rid of the rest. You may wish to be selective--say, only chocolate candies and no dye, depending on your child's sensitivities and how long their reactions last.
2) Review the options with your child and the school. Many schools have Halloween parties. Be sure you have gone over the plan with your child. With so many children to supervise, adult volunteer helpers may not understand the gravity of allowing your child to partake in the candy they have received.
3) Bring the candy to the office. You can put it in the break room or some other common area if it will be a temptation for you. Explain to your child that giving something at the office is a good idea because it says "thank you" to the people who employ Mommy or Daddy (or who buy cookies or popcorn for fundraisers).
4) Exchange the candy for something you do want. Some dentists will buy back the candy for cash or for prizes and donate it to troops overseas. To find an office near you, try this website: Halloween Candy Buyback. Some parents play a game where the Great Pumpkin (or some other imaginary being) comes and collects the candy a few days after Halloween and replaces it with a prize.
5) Give it away yourself. You may also donate your candy directly to an organization, such as Operation Gratitude, that makes care packages for troops overseas, or to anyone else who might be encouraged by candy, such as missionaries working overseas. Many kids with ADHD really love to help and to be helpful, and this is a great way for your child to use his or her disability to be an encouragement to others.
Everything ADHD Medical Disclaimer
Everything ADHD Privacy Policy
No comments:
Post a Comment