The Switch Witch: A Healthy Halloween Tradition

This year will be my 3-year-old son’s first official time Trick-or-Treating.  He is already so excited about the candy (I may have bribed him with the promise of some treats to get him to try on his ninja turtle costume, #momoftheyear).  Of course, I am going to let him enjoy some of the candy, but the sheer volume of it is cringe-worthy for this health conscience mamma! So this year, we are starting out “The Switch Witch” for a healthy Halloween tradition where everyone wins! Mommy gets to sleep easier knowing its a more healthy decision, and kids get candy! Less mom guilt is ALWAYS  a win!

I stumbled upon the Switch Witch idea recently and just love it! Being a health and fitness advocate, this was right up my alley, but food allergy parents have been using this idea for a few years now and I am taking a page from their books!

Here’s how it works:  Print out the poem, read it to you kids before you head out Trick or Treating.  Then when you get home, let your kids pick out a set amount of candy to pick (I’m thinking 10) and place the rest of the candy on the front porch for the Switch Witch.  At night while you are sleeping she (aka you) will come replace the candy with a gift or toy.  It can be something simple like a movie, book or coloring book.  Take a trip to the dollar store.

It’s also a great option for you kids who have allergies.  Make sure they don’t miss out on the Halloween fun! Check out Pinterest for other versions of the poem and pick out the one that fits your specific needs.

Don’t just throw away your candy though!  I plan to donate ours to troops overseas.  Check out Operation Gratitude’s Halloween Candy For Heros.

Have any of you tried this before?  How did it go?

Will you try it this year?

If you feel like you partake in too many Halloween Treats, join [Moms Only] Living Room Workout Club for a Fall in Love with Fitness Challenge the month of November.