Halloween is a fun and memorable holiday for families, filled with costumes, candy, and festive activities. However, for many parents, the abundance of candy that comes with Halloween can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
We often hear about parents sneaking candy from their kids’ baskets or throwing away bags of treats. Social media is flooded with posts about the number of burpees needed to work off a bite-sized Snickers bar. Some of us may overindulge and feel guilty, leading to increased exercise or avoidance of candy altogether.
Remembering that healthy food is critical for our overall well-being is important. However, having a healthy relationship with food is also essential. Our children learn about healthy food from us and how to approach food. Remember to model the relationship you want your children to have with food throughout this holiday season.
Most of our food choices should be nutritious, but some foods can be enjoyed occasionally. If our children never see us eat a piece of candy or feel guilty after doing so, what are they learning about treats? Can we occasionally eat a few pieces of our favorite candy and enjoy it without shame and guilt?
The answer is yes.
Here are some easy ways to move past shame and guilt during the holiday season.
