I love the costume part of Halloween.  Being creative with the kids and letting them dress up and have a great time.  What I don't like about Halloween ~ SO MUCH CANDY !!! 

What we decided to do as a family is to set some realistic expectation with the kids to make Halloween fun but keep it a little healthier.  I discuss with my kids why Halloween is so much fun and what they think about trick or treating and all the candy they receive. Getting candy is definitely on their list of Halloween fun, but they love just going out with friends and dressing up. When I suggest limiting candy and trading out the rest for a toy, they have questions but get excited about getting a new toy.  We decide on how much candy would be appropriate for them to 'save and eat', then we set a dollar amount limit for the 'prize' and the boys spend days pouring over the toy catalogs that have been coming to the house recently.  This past Friday we went to the toy store as a family and walked up and down the aisles while they discussed their 'prize' options.  Both my husband and I kept reminding them of the dollar amount limit, it turned out to be a fun math lesson too !  All three boys left the store beaming and excited about their toys and Halloween.  This morning, they were talking about what 3 little pieces of candy they will save and how they are looking forward to opening their toys !  Win WIN all around. 

Donate your candy to shelters or bring to work and share with others.   Happy Halloween !!