One hot topic this Halloween concerns the vaccination of kids under twelve for COVID-19. Parents must now face yet another scary decision. But even more frightening to me are the potential, long-term, negative effects of uncontrolled sugar consumption, especially for children who are already battling obesity. And there are many. Robert Wood Johnson’s October 2021 State of Childhood Obesity report puts the rate for Pennsylvania's kids at about 15%.
Today, on the 31st of October, regardless of the physical condition of his or her child, every parent must decide how to handle our American fondness for sugary "treats." Is the harm of sugar worth fight to confiscate it? Isn't it important for our kids get to let go and have fun? How can I take it away when all their friends have it? There are no easy answers, and every situation is different.
But I urge everyone, child and adult, to limit their sugar intake, especially in the face of the pandemic. This is because diabetes and obesity (which sugar often causes) are two of the most significant contributors to the COVID-19 fatality rate.
I offer two fun and clever methods I’ve heard for getting kids to release their grip on the worst pieces of their stash:
- Buy it back, which gives them the option to trade candy for coin. (Just don't then eat it yourself.)
- Create a candy mosaic or other crafty art (or science) project. (Your future self might be alarmed to see just how long the artwork keeps.)
Most importantly, after it's all over, consider serving meals that support digestion and enhance immunity. To learn more: Read My Blog Post: The Key to Your Immunity!
NOTE: Written in 2018, the blog post ends with a suggestion to detoxify by joining our cleanse program. This may not be necessary for the average child, but we can talk about it if you are a parent who is considering it.