Avoid Sugar Overload This Valentine’s Day

Tuesday - September 20th, 2016

When Valentine’s Day rolls around, that usually means candy is everywhere at schools, offices, parties, you name it.

And while I love myself a candy heart or a chocolate Kiss as much as the next person, as a dental hygienist I try to limit myself to just a couple bites since, obviously, eating too much candy isn’t great for your teeth!

But for kids, candy is a big temptation. Here are some tips how you as a parent can keep your kids from going TOO crazy with candy snacking this February.

Have your kids pick out their 7 pieces of candy one each day for a week. It seems like a big pile at first, but spread out over time it’s only a small bit of sugar each day.
Donate the candy to a bake sale or a group sending care packages to the military. It’s a great lesson in helping others.
Making Valentine’s cards for classmates? Have your kids set an example by including a non-food item in their cards instead of a lollipop or chocolate. This can be a pencil, stickers, a small toy like a yo-yo something fun that lasts longer than a one-bite sweet.

What are some ways you’ve found to limit your kids candy intake, whether for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or any day?

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