We have often debated with ourselves about the merits of handing out candy to trick or treaters at Halloween.
In a country like America, where 1 out of every 3 kids is overweight or obese, it’s easy to feel like just going with the flow is only contributing to the problem.
On the other hand, almost everything is ok in moderation. And we don’t want to be “that” house on the street that hands out toothbrushes or dental floss on Halloween.
After all, our own kids enjoy a treat every now and then, so who are we to think we know so much better than others?
But what if we could at least give trick or treaters a choice?
Offering An Alternative
So this year, we’ve decided to give the kids who ring the doorbell a choice.
We will offer a bucket filled with candy and, at the same time, offer a bucket filled with cool, neon glow sticks and glow bracelets.
This way, kids will have a choice.
The glow sticks and glow bracelets offer a neat alternative to candy, which many kids will have their Halloween bags full of by the time they get to our house anyway.
Glow sticks and glow bracelets also offer a fun alternative for kids who have dietary restrictions that prevent them from eating candy.
But the potential benefits continue.
For the parents of the kids who really get a kick out of the glow sticks and bracelets, they will take with them an idea for a memorable alternative which they could try at their own home next year.
Maybe it could even lead to another house in our neighborhood offering an alternate like this in Halloweens to come.
What If the Kids Don’t Like It?
If, on the other hand, this idea is a flop, then we’ll have a bunch of glow sticks and glow bracelets left over to use in some upcoming project with the kids.
Since we will still offer candy as an alternative, the kids who think the glow stuff is lame can take their candy and be on their way, no harm done.
Either way, we get the chance to try out something new and maybe create a new twist on our family routine that could last a lifetime.
Plus, if the glow stuff is a flop, it could only mean that we need to offer a different sort of alternative next year.
Another option I read about online was temporary tattoos. These would have the additional benefit of not cluttering up homes with junk. The kids use the tattoo, then after it fades it’s done. There’s no accumulation of cheap plastic trash t clutter up homes or landfills.
I decided to go with glow stuff as our alternative because I like the idea of offering something that can be fun immediately. It’s unlikely that most kid’s Halloween costumes will allow them to quickly apply and display a fun temporary tattoo.
But a glow stick or a glow bracelet can be instantly added to a Halloween costume in an immediate, fun way. So I feel like the potential ‘WOW’ factor is higher by offering kids the glow stuff.
No matter what the outcome is, I’ll report back with the results after Halloween. Maybe I’ll even go so far as to count the total number of pieces of candy vs. the total number of glow sticks and bracelets and announce a “winner.”
What do you think?
Are we going to be the hit of the neighborhood, or will the glow sticks and bracelets be a flop?
Let us know by writing info@parentswho.com or dropping a note in the comments below!