As Halloween draws closer, parenting advice can help moms and dads keep the celebration more about treats than tricks.
But as parenting skills also include making sure a family eats properly, help has been given by the News Tribune on how to keep Halloween healthy.
Atlanta pediatrician Dr Jennifer Shu told the paper that instead of candy, she gives out gifts such as Pokemon cards and glow sticks.
She suggested that parents allow the Halloween candy feast to last for one week, certainly no more than two.
And the paper also advised parents to make sure kids have a healthy dinner before going trick-or-treating to make sure they are full.
Healthier treats such as pretzels or cereal bars could be given, but if you must give something sweet, make it chocolate rather than anything sticky, which stays on the teeth for longer and does more harm, she said.
Website iVillage also suggests making healthier snacks such as caramel honey apples, spicy roasted soybeans or honey popcorn balls.
To avoid arguments, moms and dads are also advised to set up rules before the candy has been gathered about how much of it will be eaten.
