What to do with ALL THAT CANDY?

🎃Halloween is full of excitement—costumes, friends, and candy galore! But come November 1st, parents face the real challenge: what should you do with ALL THAT CANDY ? Let kids go free rein… or pace their candy spree?

Two children in costumes sort candy beside carved pumpkins on a porch

Safety First 🎃

Before heading out, make sure costumes are visible with reflective tape, a glow necklace, or a light-up pumpkin bucket🎃. Bring a flashlight and stay on sidewalks. Check treats for choking hazards, anything unwrapped and possible food allergens.🍬.

THE REAL QUESTION: What to Do with ALL THAT CANDY 🍭

There are two kinds of Halloween parents. Free Rein, Child Control lets kids eat as much as they want (or until a little sick). Parent Portion Patrol doles out a few pieces at a time to prevent sugar overload. Both approaches have their merits: learning moderation versus avoiding tummy aches 🍬.

A quick poll of pediatricians and staff at PAN showed even the professionals are split! 🍬

On the Free Rein, Child Control side, one nurse said, “If you eat it all today, then you won’t have any tomorrow—make it last!” Another added, “They ate all their candy and learned, hey, it’s gone.” A pediatrician noted, “It’s not forbidden fruit anymore—they learn to moderate and gradually even forget about it.” 👻

On the Parent Portion Patrol side, one pediatrician shared, “Two pieces, then throw it all away.” Another said, “Most of the fun is collecting anyway.” One nurse laughed, “You can have some after lunch—but my kid got so hyper on all that sugar, I was running around the house trying to keep up!” 🍬

Dental Considerations 🦷

Dentists often run candy buy-back programs, trading treats for small prizes. The real issue isn’t how much sugar kids eat, but how long it stays on their teeth. Eating candy all at once, then brushing, is better than nibbling throughout the day 🍭👻.

Favorite Treats at PAN Pediatrics

🎃 Dr Mark Acker-Reese’s
🎃 Dr Lynne Fasanello-100 GRAND
🎃 Dr Beth McQuaid-Tootsie Roll Mini

🎃 Dr Pat Silvia- HERSHEY'S with Almonds

🎃 Dr Shayan Sengupta-SNICKERS

🎃 Dr Frank Tomase- SNICKERS

🎃 Beth Tomase PNP- Dark Chocolate Reese’s

So—what kind of Halloween parent are you? Next time you see your pediatrician, ask what they did with their kids… though they might not admit to swiping a mini Tootsie Roll or two! 🍭👻