News
October 31, 2025
I’m a paediatrician. Here’s why banning lollies and fizzy drink can backfire - Perri Klass
This Halloween, teach kids the difference between everyday and special-occasion foods.
**Why Banning Halloween Treats Can Actually Harm Your Kids, According to a Pediatrician**
Halloween is a time for costumes, spooky decorations, and, of course, candy. But in the midst of the sugar rush, many parents struggle with how to manage their children’s intake of sweets. Pediatrician Perri Klass argues that a complete ban on lollies and fizzy drinks might actually do more harm than good.
Instead of outright prohibiting these treats, Klass suggests using Halloween as a teaching opportunity. The key, she explains, lies in helping children understand the difference between "everyday" foods and "special-occasion" foods.
Everyday foods are the ones that fuel our bodies on a regular basis – fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These are the building blocks for a healthy diet and support growth and energy. Special-occasion foods, on the other hand, are treats like candy, cookies, and sugary drinks. These are fine to enjoy in moderation, but shouldn't form the foundation of our diet.
Klass believes that banning these treats can lead to a sense of deprivation, making children crave them even more. This can result in sneaking, overeating when given the opportunity, and developing an unhealthy relationship with food in the long run.
By framing Halloween candy as a special-occasion food, parents can teach their children about balance and moderation. This approach allows kids to enjoy the fun of the holiday without feeling restricted or guilty.
Instead of focusing on what they *can't* have, parents can encourage kids to be mindful of their choices. This might involve letting them choose a few favorite candies to enjoy and then deciding what to do with the rest – perhaps trading them for a toy, donating them, or saving them for occasional treats later on.
Ultimately, Klass emphasizes that teaching children about healthy eating is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about creating a positive and sustainable relationship with food, rather than imposing strict rules that can backfire. By using occasions like Halloween as learning opportunities, parents can help their children develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. So, this Halloween, embrace the fun, but also embrace the chance to teach your kids valuable lessons about balance and moderation.
Halloween is a time for costumes, spooky decorations, and, of course, candy. But in the midst of the sugar rush, many parents struggle with how to manage their children’s intake of sweets. Pediatrician Perri Klass argues that a complete ban on lollies and fizzy drinks might actually do more harm than good.
Instead of outright prohibiting these treats, Klass suggests using Halloween as a teaching opportunity. The key, she explains, lies in helping children understand the difference between "everyday" foods and "special-occasion" foods.
Everyday foods are the ones that fuel our bodies on a regular basis – fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These are the building blocks for a healthy diet and support growth and energy. Special-occasion foods, on the other hand, are treats like candy, cookies, and sugary drinks. These are fine to enjoy in moderation, but shouldn't form the foundation of our diet.
Klass believes that banning these treats can lead to a sense of deprivation, making children crave them even more. This can result in sneaking, overeating when given the opportunity, and developing an unhealthy relationship with food in the long run.
By framing Halloween candy as a special-occasion food, parents can teach their children about balance and moderation. This approach allows kids to enjoy the fun of the holiday without feeling restricted or guilty.
Instead of focusing on what they *can't* have, parents can encourage kids to be mindful of their choices. This might involve letting them choose a few favorite candies to enjoy and then deciding what to do with the rest – perhaps trading them for a toy, donating them, or saving them for occasional treats later on.
Ultimately, Klass emphasizes that teaching children about healthy eating is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about creating a positive and sustainable relationship with food, rather than imposing strict rules that can backfire. By using occasions like Halloween as learning opportunities, parents can help their children develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. So, this Halloween, embrace the fun, but also embrace the chance to teach your kids valuable lessons about balance and moderation.
Category:
Politics