5 Great Ideas for Dealing With Holiday Treats

Back in October, we talked about setting up a Treat Time of day. it’s worth mentioning again now that the holidays are upon us. December is here, the mounds of Halloween candy that children have stored in various location around the house are probably starting to dwindle. But even though the candy is disappearing, the holidays are just around the corner — a fun-filled days of family, friends, food, parties and lots of sugar-laden treats.

1. Holiday Treats & Candy vs. Cavities: Don’t Make Kids Choose

Don’t deny your children the Holiday Goodie experience. That can send the entirely wrong message — deprivation — and make candy and sugary treats seem even more irresistible, leading to other problems, such as sneaking sweets or eating too much candy once they’re out on their own. Instead, let them have the joy of the holidays in all its sticky, gooey goodness and the experience of going to a party or two.

During the holidays, yummy food and tasty treats are everywhere. It would be easy to let healthy eating habits slide, but holidays can still be healthy. Here are some tips to help you and your family stay on track with good eating habits:

• Nibble on healthy snacks like whole grain crackers, fruit, or raw vegetables before the big feast. You will eat less.

• When you are at a party or having a holiday meal, look for the foods that are healthier, like veggies or fruits, and make sure to eat some of those.

• It takes your brain some time to signal you are full. Wait 10-15 minutes before eating seconds. This may keep you from over-indulging!

• It’s not rude to say no to food. Don’t be pressured to eat, if you aren’t hungry.
• Eating holiday goodies like fudge, peanut brittle, cookies, and other baked goods is fine, but eat them in small portions. And don’t forget to brush shortly thereafter!

2. Preventing Cavities in Children: Set a Treat Time

With your child, set a time of day designated as Treat Time to eat a yummy holiday treat you’ve made or that someone has given you. Of course, the ritual of Treat Time isn’t just for the Holidays and can be honored all through the year to help promote healthy thinking about treats:

• Children learn that eating sweets shouldn’t be an all-day feast. Moderation is key.
• Knowing they have a specific sweet time can help make children less inclined to think about eating sweets at other times of the day.

3. Children’s Oral Health: Set Up a Teeth Brushing Schedule

No matter when Treat Time is, it’s crucial to brush soon after. If it is nighttime, for example, brushing and flossing teeth before bed will help sweep away the recent sweets. Fluoride mouth rinses for kids also help prevent tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association.

Until a child is 7 or 8 years old, a parent should help with teeth brushing, not simply supervise. Even after age 8, parents should supervise brushing. That includes friendly reminders to older children to brush and floss until they get to high school, when it should be a habit.

4. Use Disclosing Tablets or Solution

Some dentists use disclosing tablets to spot bacterial plaque on teeth. These chewable tablets temporarily stain the plaque that builds up on teeth.
Parents can also use disclosing tablets to show children how well they are brushing or flossing their teeth — especially if they already have a cavity or two. A 12-pack of disclosing tablets is available over the counter and online for about $5.

You may want to set into practice a “disclosing session” once a week or so, to keep your child on her toes.

5. Keep Teeth Brushing Fun

You should replace toothbrushes every three or four months anyway, so make Halloween an occasion for getting your child a new brush. Dentists say that when children like the toothbrushes, they are more apt to enjoy brushing. Children can choose from a variety of kid-sized brushes that feature cartoon characters and colorful designs. Young children typically can’t wait to use a new toothbrush.

Children also like to pick out their own toothpaste. Give your child the freedom to pick from gels or pastes, different colors, and different flavors. Just check the tube label to be sure it contains fluoride. Check the condition of your child’s toothbrush from time to time. If it doesn’t look worn after weeks of use, she may not be brushing well.

 
Have a wonderful Holiday Season this year, and be healthy!