Sugar rush: Striking a balance with holiday treats

For plenty of us, Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday season. I love this time of year, and I’m grateful that settling into the darkest months is made so much easier by the anticipation of succeeding holiday celebrations and special time with family. Our upcoming holidays have something else in common, too: an abundance of sweet treats!

Managing our kids’ sugar consumption, and talking about sugar with them can be a big stressor for many parents. We want children to delight in trick-or-treating (and the trading that comes after), to taste all the pies, and to bake old family cookie recipes alongside us in December. We also want our children to develop healthy diets, dental habits, and relationships with food and with their bodies. With sugar hiding in so many prepackaged foods and drinks, striking a balance can feel super overwhelming.

• Read this: How to reduce added sugar in your child's diet

If you feel this way, we want you to know that you’re not alone! If you’re looking for a place to start, spend a couple days reading nutrition labels to take an average daily sugar consumption measurement for your kids. See how that amount compares to the AAP and AHA’s recommended daily limit of 25 grams, and adjust from there. Be mindful about the language you use when talking with your kids about sugar and nutrition. Encourage a healthy, balanced diet, and teach kids to focus on eating for nourishment rather than labeling certain foods as “bad.”

May we hold space for you on this topic? Please feel free to reach out if you’re looking for more support!

Have a sweet, and very happy, Halloween!